Network system for a component

ABSTRACT

Provided is a network system for a component capable of effectively managing an energy source.

This application claims the benefit of priority of PCT Application No.PCT/IB2010/003388 filed on Nov. 26, 2012 which claims the benefit ofpriority of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2010/002852 filed on May 5, 2010,PCT Application No. PCT/KR2010/002851 filed on May 5, 2010, PCTApplication No. PCT/KR2010/003750 filed on Jun. 10, 2010, KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0126375 filed on Dec. 17, 2009, KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0115203 filed on Nov. 26, 2009, KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0126377 filed on Dec. 17, 2009, KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0126376 filed on Dec. 17, 2009, KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0126362 filed on Dec. 17, 2009, KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0126360 filed on Dec. 17, 2009 and KoreanApplication No. 10-2009-0126364 filed on Dec. 17, 2009, all of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a network system for a component.

BACKGROUND ART

Providers simply provided an energy source such as electricity, water orgas, and customers simply used the energy source provided from theproviders. As a result, it was difficult to perform effective managementin view of energy production, energy distribution, energy usage, or thelike. Therefore, it is required to develop a network system foreffectively managing energy.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

Embodiments provide a network system for a component capable ofeffectively managing an energy source.

Technical Solution

In one embodiment, a network system for a component includes:comprising:

at least one component selected from an energy supplied component thatenergy is supplied with and an energy management component that managesthe energy supplied component, wherein an energy usage amount or anenergy usage cost of the energy supplied component is adjusted, and anenergy usage amount or a usage cost when the energy supplied componentis controlled based on information related to at least an energy cost isless than an energy usage amount or a energy usage cost when the energysupplied component is controlled without the information about at leastan energy cost.

Advantageous Effects

According to the embodiments, an energy source is effectively produces,uses, distributes, stores and the like, so that it is possible toperform the effective management of the energy source.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network systemaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of thenetwork system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an information transmission process onthe network system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the communication structure of two componentsthat constitute the network system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of acommunication device that constitutes a communication unit.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a communication performing process between aspecific component and a communication device according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a communication performing process between aspecific component and a communication device according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the communication structure of components thatconstitute the network system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a firstcomponent in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the communication structure of components thatconstitute the network system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a firstcomponent in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example an example of a componentthat constitutes the network system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is view showing a state that a connection line of a componentthat constitutes the network system of the present disclosure isconnected to a power control apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a view specifically showing the network system of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of the network system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state that a communication modemof the present disclosure is mounted on an electric product.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a communication-status determinationmethod of a communication modem for an electric product.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a powermanagement program when the communication modem of the presentdisclosure is normally operated.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a state that a result according to a controlmethod of the present disclosure is displayed in an energy manager.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a power management network binderand an electric product to be registered according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of registering an electricproduct in a power management network according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process of registering theelectric product in the power management network according to anotherembodiment.

FIGS. 23 to 25 are flowcharts illustrating a communication-statusdetermination method of a communication modem for an electric product,provided to the power management network, a control method of theelectric product in communication failure, and a method for performing apower program when a communication status is normal according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 26 to 28 are flowcharts illustrating a control method related tocommunication failure of the communication modem according to anotherembodiment.

FIGS. 29 to 31 are flowchart illustrating a control method of thenetwork system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling electricpower in consideration of environmental effects according to anotherembodiment.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network systemaccording to the present disclosure.

The network system is a system for managing an energy source such aselectricity, water or gas. The energy source means one of which amountgenerated or used can be metered. Therefore, even a source not mentionedabove may be used as the energy source. Hereinafter, electricity will bedescribed as an example of the energy source, and details of thisspecification may be identically applied to other energy sources.

Referring to FIG. 1, a network system according to an embodimentincludes a power plant for producing electricity. The power plant mayinclude a power plant for producing electricity through a thermal powergeneration or nuclear power generation and a power plant using waterpower, sunlight power, wind power or the like which is eco-friendlyenergy.

The electricity produced in the power plant is transmitted to asub-control center through a power transmission line, and thesub-control center transmits the electricity to a substation so that theelectricity is distributed to customers such as houses or offices.

Electricity produced by the eco-friendly energy is also transmitted tothe substation so as to be distributed to each of the customers. Theelectricity transmitted from the substation is distributed to each ofthe offices or houses through electricity power storage, or is directlydistributed to each of the offices or houses.

In a house using a home area network (HAN), electricity may be producedby itself through sunlight, fuel cells built in a plug-in hybridelectric vehicle (PHEV), or the like. Also, the produced electricity maybe stored or distributed, or surplus electricity may be resold to theoutside world.

The network system may include a smart meter for detecting the amount ofelectricity used in each customer (house, office or the like) in realtime, and an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for metering theamount of electricity used in a plurality of customers.

The network system may further include an energy management system (EMS)for managing energy. The EMS may generate information on operations ofone or more components with respect to energy (production of energy,distribution of energy, usage of energy, storage of energy, and thelike). The EMS may generate at least a command for the operations of thecomponents.

In this specification, a function or solution performed by the EMS maybe referred to as an energy management function or energy managementsolution.

In the network system, one or more EMSs may be provided as a separateconfiguration, or the EMS may be included as an energy managementfunction or energy management solution in one or more components.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of thenetwork system according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the network system according to the presentdisclosure is configured by a plurality of components. For example, thecomponents of the network system are a power plant, a substation, asub-control center, an EMS, electric home appliances, a smart meter, astorage battery, a web server, an AMI, a home server, and the like.

In the present disclosure, each of the components may be configured by aplurality of sub-components. As an example, in a case of one componentis an electric home appliance, sub-components may be a microcomputer(MICOM), a heater, a display and the like. That is, all that perform aspecific function may be components in the present disclosure, and suchcomponents constitute the network system of the present disclosure. Twocomponents may communicate with each other by means of a communicationunit. One network may be one component or may be configured by aplurality of components.

In this specification, the network system in which communicationinformation is related to an energy source may be referred to as anenergy grid.

A network system according to an embodiment may include a utility areanetwork (UAN) 10 and a home area network (HAN) 20. The UAN 10 and theHAN 20 may perform wired or wireless communication by means of acommunication unit, and may perform two-way communication. In thisspecification, the term “home” means not only a household as a lexicalmeaning but also a group in which specific components such as buildingsor companies gather. Also, the term “utility” means a group in whichspecific components outside the home gather.

The UAN 10 includes an energy generation component 11 for generatingenergy, an energy distribution component 12 for distributing ortransmitting energy, an energy storage component 13 for storing energy,an energy management component 14 for managing energy, and an energymetering component 15 for metering information related to energy.

In a case where one or more components that constitute the UAN 10consume energy, the components that consume the energy may be energyconsumption components.

The energy consumption component is a component corresponding to theenergy consumption component 26 that constitutes the HAN 20. The energyconsumption component may be the same component as the energyconsumption component 26 or may be another component distinguished fromthe energy consumption component 26.

The energy generation component 11 may be a power plant as an example.The energy distribution component 12 distributes or transmits energygenerated in the energy generation component 11 and/or energy stored inthe energy storage component 13 to the energy consumption component 26that consumes the energy. The energy distribution component 12 may be apower transmitter, substation, sub-control center, or the like.

The energy storage component 13 may be a storage battery, and the energymanagement component 14 generates information for driving one or more ofthe energy generation component 11, the energy distribution component12, the energy storage component 13 and the energy consumption component26, related to energy. The energy management component 14 may generateat least a command for the operation of a specific component.

The energy management component 14 may be an EMS. The energy meteringcomponent 15 may meter information related to the generation of energy,the distribution of energy, the usage of energy, the storage of energy,and the like. The energy metering component 15 may be an AMI as anexample. The energy management component 14 may be a separateconfiguration, or may be included in another component as an energymanagement function.

The UAN 10 may communicate with the HAN 20 by a terminal component (notshown). That is, information generated or transferred in a specificcomponent that constitutes the UAN 10 may be transmitted to the HAN 20through the terminal component, or information generated or transferredin another component that constitutes the HAN 20 may be received to theUAN 10 through the terminal component. The terminal component may be agate way as an example. The terminal component may be provided to one ormore of the UAN 10 and the HAN 20.

The terminal component may be a component necessary fortransmitting/receiving information between the UAN and the HAN.

Two components that constitute the UAN 10 may communicate with eachother by means of a communication unit.

The HAN 20 includes an energy generation component 21 for generatingenergy, an energy distribution component 22 for distributing energy, anenergy storage component 23 for storing energy, an energy managementcomponent 24 for managing energy, an energy metering component 25 formetering information related to energy, an energy consumption component26 for consuming energy, a central management component 27 forcontrolling a plurality of components, and an energy grid assistancecomponent 28.

The energy generation component 21 may be a home power generator, andthe energy storage component 23 may be a storage battery. The energymanagement component 24 may be an EMS. As an example, the energygeneration component 21 may be a solar cell, a fuel cell, a wind powergenerator, a power generator using subterranean heat, a power generatorusing seawater, or the like.

The energy storage component 23 may perform storage using energygenerated from the energy generation component 21. Therefore, in view ofthe use of energy, the energy storage component 23 and the energygeneration component 11 may be an energy using component that usesenergy together with the energy consumption component 26. That is, theenergy using component may include at least an energy consumptioncomponent, an energy generation component and an energy storagecomponent. In a case where the energy management component uses energy,it may be included in the energy using component.

In view of the supplied energy, the energy storage component 23, theenergy consumption component and the energy generation component 11 maybe an energy supplied component to which energy is supplied.

The energy metering component 25 may meter information related to thegeneration of energy, the distribution of energy, the usage of energy,the storage of energy, and the like. The energy metering component 25may be a smart meter as an example. The energy consumption component 26may be, as an example, an electric home appliance or a heater, motor,display or the like, which constitutes the electric home appliance. Inthis embodiment, there is no limitation in the kind of the energyconsumption component 26.

Specifically, the energy generation component 21 may be anothercomponent of the UAN 10, which generates energy to be supplied to theHAN 20.

The energy management component 24 may be provided as a separateconfiguration or may be included in another component as an energymanagement function. As an example, the energy management function maybe performed by a control component that controls the energy consumptioncomponent. In a case where the control component performs the energymanagement function, it may be an energy management component.

Specifically, the energy management component 14 that constitutes theUAN 10 or the energy management component 24 that constitutes the HAN 20may be built in one or more of the plurality of components thatconstitute the networks 10 and 20, or may exist as a separate device.The energy management component 24 may recognize the information relatedto energy (energy information) and the state information of a componentcontrolled by the energy management component 24.

The energy generation component 21, the energy distribution component 22and the energy storage component 23 may be individual components, or mayconstitute a single component.

The central management component 27 may be, as an example, a home serverfor controlling a plurality of electric home appliances.

The energy grid assistance component 28 is a component having a primaryfunction while performing an additional function for the energy grid.For example, the energy grid assistance component 28 may be a webservice providing component (e.g., a computer or the like), mobiledevice, television, or the like.

The mobile device may receive energy information or additionalinformation (described later), and control the operation of at least theenergy consumption component 26 using the received information.

Two components that constitute the HAN 20 may communicate with eachother by means of a communication unit.

The energy generation components 11 and 21, the energy distributioncomponents 12 and 22, the energy storage components 13 and 23, theenergy management components 14 and 24, the energy metering components15 and 25, the energy consumption component 26 and the centralmanagement component 27 may independently exist, or two or more of themmay constitute a single component.

For example, the energy management component 14 or 24, the energymetering component 15 or 25 and the central management component 27 mayexist as single components so as to be configured as a smart meter, anEMS and a home server, which perform their functions, respectively.Alternatively, the energy management component 14 or 24, the energymetering component 15 or 25 and the central management component 27 mayconstitute a single system.

When a function is performed, it may be sequentially performed in aplurality of components and/or communication units. For example, anenergy management function may be sequentially performed in the energymanagement component, the energy metering component and the energyconsumption component.

In the network system, a plurality of UANs 10 may communicate with asingle HAN 20, and a single UAN 10 may communicate with a plurality ofHANs 20.

The component with a specific function, which constitutes the UAN andthe HAN, may be configured as a plurality of components. For example,the energy generation component, the energy consumption component or thelike may be configured as a plurality of components.

In this specification, each of the components that constitute the UANand HAN may having a function performing component that performs its ownfunction, or each of the components itself may be a function performingcomponent.

As an example, in a case where the energy consumption component is anelectric product, the electric product has a function performingcomponent such as a heater, compressor, motor or display. As anotherexample, in a case where the energy consumption component is a heater,compressor, motor, display or the like, the energy consumption componentitself is a function performing component.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an information transmission process onthe network system according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the network system according to the presentdisclosure, a specific component 30 may receive information related toenergy (hereinafter, referred to as energy information 40) by means of acommunication unit. The specific component 30 may further receiveadditional information (environment information, time information andthe like) by means of the communication unit. In this instance, theinformation may be received from another component. That is, at leastenergy information is contained in the received information.

The specific component 30 may be a component that constitutes the UAN 10or a component that constitutes the HAN 20.

As described above, the energy information 40 may be one of informationrelated to electricity, water, gas and the like. Hereinafter,information related to electricity will be described as an example ofthe energy information, but information related to other energy sourcesmay be identically applied.

For example, the kind of information related to the electricity mayinclude time-based pricing, curtailment, grid emergency, gridreliability, energy increment, operation priority, and the like.

The information may be divided into scheduled information previouslyproduced based on previous information, and real-time informationchanged in real time. The scheduled information and the real-timeinformation may be divided by whether or not predict information afterthe current time (in the future).

The energy information 40 may be transmitted/received as a true or falsesignal such as a Boolean signal on the network system, or may betransmitted/received as a real price. Alternatively, the energyinformation 40 may be transmitted/received by being divided into aplurality of levels.

The energy information 40 may be divided into time of use (TOU)information, critical peak pattern (CPP) information or real timepattern (RTP) information according to the change in the pattern of datawith respect to time.

According to the TOU information, a data is changed step by stepdepending on time. According to the CPP information, a data is changedstep by step or in real time depending on time, and emphasis isdisplayed at a specific point of time. According to RTP information, adata is changed in real time depending on time.

In a case where the energy information is time-based pricing informationas an example, the time-based pricing information is changed. Thetime-based pricing information may be transmitted/received as a true orfalse signal such as a Boolean signal on the network system, or may betransmitted/received as a real price. Alternatively, the time-basedpricing information may be transmitted/received by being divided into aplurality of levels.

In a case where the specific component 30 receives a true or falsesignal such as a Boolean signal, one signal may be recognized as anon-peak signal, and the other signal may be recognized as an off-peaksignal.

Alternatively, the specific component 30 may recognize information on atleast one drive, which contains the time-based information, and mayrecognize an on-peak or off-peak signal, by comparing the value of therecognized information with the value of reference information.

For example, in a case where the specific component 30 recognizesinformation divided into levels or real pricing information, itrecognizes an on-peak or off-peak signals by comparing the value of therecognized information with the value of reference information.

In this case, the value of the information on drive may be at least oneof time-based pricing, electric energy, the variation of time-basedpricing, the variation of electric energy, the average of time-basedpricing and the average of electric energy. The value of referenceinformation may be at least one of an average, the average betweenmaximum and minimum values of power information during a predeterminedperiod of time and the reference variation of power information duringthe predetermined period of time (e.g., the slope of consumed electricenergy per unit time).

The value of reference information may be determined in real time or maybe previously determined. The value of reference information may bedetermined on the UAN or may be determined on the HAN (a customer'sdirect input or an input from the energy management component, thecentral management component or the like).

In a case where the specific component 30 (e.g., the energy consumptioncomponent) recognizes an on-peak signal (e.g., at a point of time ofrecognition), an output may be determined as zero (stop or maintenanceof a stop state) or may be decreased. If necessary, the output may berestored or increased. The driving scheme of the specific component maybe previously determined before the specific component is operated, ormay be changed when the specific component recognizes an on-peak signalposterior to the start of operation.

Alternatively, in a case where the specific component 30 recognizes anon-peak signal (e.g., at a point of time of recognition), the output ismaintained under an operable condition. In this case, the operablecondition means that the value of the information on drive is less thana predetermined reference. The value of the information on drive may betime-based pricing, consumed electric energy, operation time, or thelike.

The predetermined reference may be a relative or absolute value. Thepredetermined reference may be determined in real time or may bepreviously determined. The predetermined reference may be determined onthe UAN or may be determined on the HAN (a customer's direct input or aninput from the energy management component, the central managementcomponent or the like).

Alternatively, in a case where the specific component 30 recognizeshigh-cost information, the output of the specific compoinent may bemaintained or increased when the difference between a state informationvalue and a reference value is within a predetermined range. Forexample, in a case where a compressor of a refrigerator is not operatedin a low-cost section, the temperature of a cool chamber or freezingchamber is increased. Therefore, the compressor is necessarily turned onwhen the temperature of the cool chamber or freezing chamber approachesa reference temperature. In a case where a high-cost section comes afterthe compressor is turned on, the compressor maintains a current outputwhen the difference between the temperature of the cool chamber orfreezing chamber and the reference temperature is within a predeterminedrange. In a case where a user selects a button for cancelling powersaving in the state that the specific component 30 recognizes thehigh-cost information, the output of the specific component may bemaintained.

Alternatively, in a case where the specific component 30 recognizes anon-peak signal (e.g., at a point of time of recognition), the output maybe increased. However, although the output is increased at the point oftime when the specific component recognizes the on-peak signal, thetotal output amount of the specific component during the entire driveperiod may be decreased or maintained as compared with that when thespecific component is operated at a normal output level. Alternatively,although the output is increased at the point of time when the specificcomponent recognizes the on-peak signal, the total consumed power ortotal time-based pricing of the specific component during the entireoperation period may be decreased as compared that when the specificcomponent is operated at a normal output level.

In a case where the specific component 30 recognizes an off-peak signal(e.g., at a point of time of recognition), the output may be increased.For example, in a case where the operation reservation of the specificcomponent is set up, the drive of the specific component may be startedbefore the setup time, or a component having a large output among aplurality of components may be first driven. In a case where thespecific component is a refrigerator, supercooling may be performed byincreasing an output as compared with the existing output (change in thestate of cool air that is a medium for performing the function of therefrigerator). In a case where the specific component is a washingmachine or washer, hot water may be stored by driving a heater earlierthan the time when the heater is to be operated (storage of hot waterthat is an additional medium for performing the function of the washingmachine or washer). Alternatively, in a case where the specificcomponent is a refrigerator, cool air may be stored in a separatesupercooling chamber by increasing an output as compared with theexisting output. Alternatively, in a case where the specific componentrecognizes an off-peak signal (e.g., at a point of time of recognition),electricity may be stored.

The curtailment information is information related to a mode in whichthe specific component is stopped or a small amount of time-basedpricing is taken. As an example, the curtailment information may betransmitted/received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean signalon the network system.

If the specific component 30 recognizes curtailment information, theoutput may be determined as zero (stop or maintenance of a stop state)or may be decreased as described above.

The grid emergency information is information related to a power failureor the like. As an example, the grid emergency information may betransmitted/received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean signalon the network system. The information related to a power failure or thelike has a relation with the reliability of a component using energy.

In a case where the specific component 30 recognizes grid emergencyinformation, it may be immediately shut down.

The grid reliability information is information related to the supplyamount of electricity supplied or information related to the quality ofelectricity. The grid reliability information may betransmitted/received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean signalon the network system, or may be determined by a component (e.g., anelectric home appliance) through the frequency of AC power supplied tothe component.

That is, if a frequency lower than the frequency of AC power supplied tothe component is sensed, it may be determined that the amount ofelectricity supplied is small (information on the deficiency of theamount of electricity supplied). If a frequency higher than thefrequency of AC power supplied to the component is sensed, it may bedetermined that the amount of electricity supplied is large (informationon the excess of the amount of electricity supplied).

In a case where the specific component recognizes shortage of the amountof electricity or poor quality of electricity in the grid reliabilityinformation, an output may be determined as zero (stop or maintenance ofa stop state) or may be decreased. If necessary, the output may berestored or increased.

On the other hand, in a case where the specific component recognizes theinformation on the excess of the amount of electricity supplied, theoutput may be increased, or the operation may be converted from anoff-state to an on-state.

The energy increment information is information related to a state thatsurplus electricity is generated because the amount of electricity usedby a component is less than that of power generation. As an example, theenergy increment information may be transmitted/received as a true orfalse signal such as a Boolean signal on the network system.

In a case where the specific component 30 recognizes energy incrementinformation, the output may be increased. For example, in a case wherethe operation reservation of the specific component is set up, the driveof the specific component may be started before the setup time, or acomponent having a large output among a plurality of components may befirst driven. In a case where the specific component is a refrigerator,supercooling may be performed by increasing an output as compared withthe existing output. In a case where the specific component is a washingmachine or a washer, hot water may be stored by driving a heater earlierthan the time when the heater is to be operated. Alternatively, in acase where the specific component recognizes an off-peak signal (e.g.,at a point of time of recognition), electricity may be stored.

Meanwhile, in a case where the specific component 30 is the energystorage component 13 or 23, the energy storage component 13 or 23 maystore electricity by receiving the electricity supplied from the UAN,for example, when electricity storage cost is smaller than apredetermined value.

However, in a case where the energy storage component 23 is connected tothe energy generation component 21 that constitutes the HAN, it maycontinuously store energy generated by the energy generation component21 until the electricity storage is completed. That is, the energygenerated while the energy generation component 21 generates energy maybe stored in the energy storage component 23.

The presence of completion of the electricity storage is determinedwhile the energy storage component 13 or 23 stores electricity. In acase where the electricity storage is completed, the electricity supplyfor the electricity storage is cut off. Specifically, the presence ofcompletion of the electricity storage may be determined using a sensorthat senses the voltage, temperature or current of the energy storagecomponent 13 or 23. The cutoff of the electricity supply may beperformed using a switch (or circuit breaker) provided to a supply stagethrough which the electricity is supplied to the energy storage unit 13or 23.

The electricity storage cost may be cost consumed in the electricitystorage for a specific time period or electricity cost at a specifictime.

As an example, in a case where the electricity storage cost is in anoff-peak section (in a case where the specific component recognizeslow-cost information which will be described later), the energy storagecomponent 13 or 23 may store electricity. Alternatively, in a case wherean on-peak section corresponds to an allowance section (in a case wherethe specific component recognizes high-cost information which will bedescribed later), the energy storage component 13 or 23 may store in theon-peak section. In this instance, the allowance section is a section inwhich a power consumption information value is less than a predeterminedreference. The power consumption information value may be a electricitycost, a power consumption amount, a time range, or the like. Thepredetermined reference may be a predetermined cost, a predeterminedpower consumption amount, a predetermined time, or the like. Thepredetermined reference may be a relative value or absolute value, andmay be changed automatically or manually.

The energy storage component 13 or 23 may store a counter electromotiveforce generated when an energy consumption component that is rotatablyoperated or a motor provided to the energy consumption component isstopped (rotated).

Alternatively, the energy storage component 13 or 23 may storeelectricity using an energy consumption component that is rotatablyoperated or a motor provided to the energy consumption component. Forexample, in a case where the energy consumption component is arefrigerator, the energy storage component 13 or 23 may storeelectricity generated when a fan motor provided to the refrigerator isrotated (the fan motor may serve as a power generator or may beconnected to the power generator). Alternatively, in a case where theenergy consumption component is a washing machine, the energy storagecomponent 13 or 23 may store electricity generated when a motor thatrotates a drum for accommodating the laundry is rotated. In a case wherethe energy consumption component is a cooking appliance, the energystorage component 13 or 23 may store electricity generated when a motorfor rotating a cooling fan is rotated. In a case where the energyconsumption component is an air cleaner, the energy storage component 13or 23 may store electricity generated when a motor for rotating a fan isrotated. That is, in this embodiment, in a case where a motor isprovided regardless of the kind of the energy consumption component, theenergy storage component 13 or 23 may store electricity generated whenthe motor is rotated. Alternatively, in a case where a power generatoris connected to a fan rotated by the flow of air (natural flow orforcible flow), the energy storage component 13 or 23 may storeelectricity generaged by the power generator.

The electricity stored in the energy component 13 or 23 may be suppliedto one or more energy consumption components 26. In a case whereelectricity cost is higher than a reference value, the electricitystored in the energy component 13 or 23 may be supplied to the energyconsumption component 26. As an example, in a case where the electricitycost is an on-peak (in a case where the specific component recognizesthe high-cost information), the electricity stored in the energy storagecomponent 13 or 23 may be supplied to the energy consumption component26. In a case where the electricity cost is an off-peak (in a case wherethe specific component recognizes the low-cost information) but is closeto the on-peak, the electricity stored in the energy storage component13 or 21 may be supplied to the energy consumption component. If theelectricity stored in the energy storage component 13 or 23 is less thana predetermined value, electricity generated in the energy generationcomponent 11 is supplied to the energy consumption component. Thus, itis possible to prevent the operation of the energy consumption componentfrom being stopped due to the cutoff of the electricity supply while theenergy consumption component is operated.

In a case where the supply of electricity generated in the energygeneration component 11 is cut off by interruption of electric power,the electricity stored in the energy component 13 or 23 may be suppliedto the energy consumption component. In a case where the energyconsumption component is an electric product, the electricity stored inthe energy storage component 13 or 23 may be supplied to a communicationunit or control unit provided to the electric product.

The electricity stored in the energy component 13 or 23 may be suppliedto a portion of a plurality of energy consumption components. As anexample, the stored electricity may be supplied to an electric productsuch as a refrigerator required in continuous operation among aplurality of electric products. Alternatively, the stored electricitymay be supplied to an energy consumption component with relatively lowpower among a plurality of energy consumption components that constituteone electric product. It will be apparent that the stored electricity issupplied to an energy consumption component with high power.

Alternatively, when a course using a relatively small amount of power isperformed among a plurality of courses in which an electric product isperformed, the stored electricity may be supplied. It will be apparentthat the stored electricity may be supplied even when a course using alarge amount of power is performed.

Meanwhile, in a case where electricity is generated and stored by a fanor motor as described above, the electricity stored in the energystorage component 13 or 23 may be supplied to an energy consumption unitwith relatively low power. As an example, the electricity stored in theenergy storage component 13 or 23 may be supplied to an LED lamp, adisplay, a control unit, a communication unit, a low-power heater, orthe like. Alternatively, in a case where the energy consumptioncomponent performs a plurality of courses, the electricity stored in theenergy storage component 13 or 23 may be supplied to the energyconsumption component in a course that requires low power.

The energy storage component 23 may be built in connected to one energyconsumption component. Alternatively, a plurality of energy storagecomponents 23 may be built in or connected to a plurality of energyconsumption components, respectively. Alternatively, a plurality ofenergy storage components 23 may be built in or connected to one energyconsumption component. The plurality of energy storage components 23 maybe connected to one another to share the stored electricity.

Among the information related to energy, the on-peak information, thecurtailment information and information on the deficiency of the amountof electricity supplied may be recognized as high-cost informationconsidered that energy cost is relatively expensive. In this instance,the section in which the high-cost information is recognized by thespecific component may referred to as a low-cost section.

On the other hand, among the information related to energy, the off-peakinformation, the energy increment information and the information on theexcess of the amount of electricity supplied may be recognized aslow-cost information considered that energy cost is relatively cheap. Inthis instance, the section in which the low-cost information isrecognized by the specific component may be referred to as a low-costsection.

The information related to the fluctuation of the energy cost (high-costor low-cost information) may be recognized as information fordetermining a power saving driving scheme of the specific component(e.g., the energy consumption component). That is, the informationrelated to the fluctuation of the energy cost may be recognized bydividing a time slot (time period) based on energy cost or pricingperiod (pricing zone) for determining a driving scheme of the specificcomponent into at least two or more.

A high period means a high price time period (period of high cost) or ahigh pricing period and a low period means a low price time period(period of low cost) and a low pricing period.

As an example, in a case where the information related to energy isrecognized as a Boolean signal, the time slot (time period) based onenergy cost or pricing period (pricing zone) for determining a drivingscheme of the specific component may be divided into two. In a casewhere the information related to energy is divided into a plurality oflevels or recognized as real-time information, the time period orpricing period may be divided into three or more.

Meanwhile, the information related to energy cost corresponding to atleast time may be recognized as information for determining a powersaving driving scheme of the specific component. That is, theinformation related to energy cost may be recognized by dividing a timeslot (time period) or pricing zone (time period) into at least two ormore. As described above, the divided time period or pricing period maybe determined based on the kinds of the recognized information (theBloolean signal, the plurality of levels and the real-time information).

In other words, the information related to fluctuation of energy costmay be recognized by dividing a determination factor for driving thespecific component into two or more, and functions on time and energycost may be included in the determination factor.

In a case where the information related to energy cost is divided intotwo levels or more, the driving scheme of the specific component may bedetermined according to the information divided into levels.

On the other hand, in a case where the recognized information related toenergy cost is not divided based on a specific reference (e.g.,real-time cost information), it is compared with predeterminedinformation, and the driving scheme of the specific component may bedetermined based on the compared result.

Here, the predetermined information may be reference information (e.g.reference value) for dividing the information related to energy cost,and the compared result may be whether not the information related toenergy cost is more or less than the reference value.

Specifically, each of the kinds of information related to energy may bedivided into first information 41 that is raw information, secondinformation 42 that is refined information, and third information 43that is information for performing the function of the specificcomponent. That is, the first information is a raw data, the secondinformation is a refined data, and the third information is a commandfor performing the function of the specific component.

The information related to energy is included a signal, and the signalis transmitted. In this instance, one or more of the first to thirdinformation may be transmitted several times while the content of theinformation is not converted but only the signal including theinformation is converted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a component that receives a signalincluding the first information may convert only the signal and transmita new signal including the first information to another component.

Therefore, it is described in this embodiment that the conversion ofsignal is a different concept from the conversion of information. Inthis instance, it can be readily understood that when the firstinformation is converted into the second information, the signalincluding the first information is also converted into the signalincluding the second information.

However, the third information may be transmitted several times in thestate that the content of the third information is converted or in thestate that only the signal including the third information is convertedwhile the content of the third information is identically maintained.

Specifically, in a case where the first information is raw informationon time-based pricing, the second information may be refined informationon the time-based pricing. The refined information on the time-basedpricing is information in which the time-based pricing is divided into aplurality of levels or analysis information. The third information is acommand generated based on the second information.

The specific component may generate, transmit or receive one or more ofthe first to third information. The first to third information are notnecessarily transmitted or received in sequence. Only a plurality ofpieces of third information without the first and second information maybe transmitted in sequence or parallel. Alternatively, the first andthird information may be transmitted or received together, the secondand third information may be transmitted or received together, or thefirst and second information may be transmitted or received together.

As an example, in a case where the specific component receives the firstinformation, it may transmit the second information or may transmit thesecond and third information.

In a case where the specific information receives only the thirdinformation, it may generate and transmit new third information.

Meanwhile, in the relation between two pieces of information, one is amessage and the other is a response for the message. Thus, each of thecomponents that constitute the network system may transmit or receive amessage. In a case where each of the components receives a message, itmay respond to the message. Therefore, in the case of an individualcomponent, the transmission of a message is a relative concept with theresponse for the message.

The message may include a data (first or second information) and/or acommand (third information).

The command (third information) may include a command for storing thedata, a command for generating the data, a command for processing thedata (including the generation of an additional data), a command forgenerating an additional command, a command for transmitting theadditionally generated command, a command for transmitting a receivedcommand, and the like.

In this specification, the response for the received message meansstorage of the data, processing of the data (including generation of anadditional data), generation of a new command, transmission of the newlygenerated command, simple transmission of a received command (includinggeneration of a command for transmitting the received command to anothercomponent), operation, transmission of the stored information,transmission of an acknowledge message (acknowledge character ornegative acknowledge character), or the like.

For example, in a case where the message is first information, thespecific component that receives the first information may generatesecond information by processing the first information, or may generatethe second information and new third information, as a response for themessage.

The specific component that receives the message may provide a responserelated to energy. Here, the term “response” may be understood as aconcept including an operation through which the specific component canperform a function. As an example, the HAN 20 may perform an operationrelated to energy by receiving a message.

The response (operation) related to energy, provided by the specificcomponent, will be described in detail. For example, the specificcomponent may be an energy consumption component.

The energy consumption component may be driven so that the energy costwhen it is driven based on the recognition for energy information isreduced as compared with that when it is driven without the recognitionfor energy information.

The specific component may include a plurality of modes in which it isdriven to perform its own function. The plurality of modes are a firstmode and a second mode in which energy cost is relatively saved ascompared with that in the first mode. The specific component may bedriven in at least one of the first and second modes.

Here, the first mode may be a general mode and the second mode may be apower saving mode. Alternatively, the first and second modes may all bepower saving modes.

The general mode may be understood as a mode in which the function ofthe specific component is performed without recognition of energyinformation. On the other hand, the power saving mode may be understoodas a mode in which the function of the specific component is performedbased on the recognition of energy information so as to save energycost.

In a case where the first and second modes are power saving modes, thefirst mode may be specified as a driving scheme for saving energy costand the second mode may be specified as a driving scheme in which theenergy cost in the second mode is more saved than that in the firstmode.

Meanwhile, in a case where the specific component (e.g., the energyconsumption component) is driven, at least a portion is recognized in adriving scheme including at least drive time and course. In this case,an unrecognized portion may be generated so as to save energy cost, anda recognized portion may be converted into another scheme.

For example, at least a portion of the driving scheme may be recognizedunder the control of the energy management component, the control of theenergy consumption component, or the like. In a case where a specificdriving scheme is further required so as to save energy cost, anunrecognized portion of the driving scheme may be newly generated, and arecognized portion may be converted into another scheme so as to saveenergy.

It will be apparent that the process of generating the unrecognizedportion may be omitted. In this case, the process of converting therecognized portion into another scheme. On the other hand, the processof converting the recognized portion into another scheme may be omitted.In this case, the process of newly generating the unrecognized portionmay be performed.

The drive time may include a drive start time or drive end time. Thecourse may include a drive period of the specific component and thepower of the specific component.

The generated scheme or converted scheme may be a scheme recommended bythe specific component so as to save energy cost. Here, the specificcomponent may be an energy consumption component (control component) orthe energy management component.

As an example, in a case where the recognized scheme is a specific drivetime, the specific drive time may be converted into another time so asto save energy cost, and a specific course may be generated.

On the other hand, in a case where the recognized scheme is a specificcourse, the specific course may be converted into another course so asto save energy cost, and a specific time may be generated.

Under the control described above, a change in time or power may be madewith respect to the output function of the specific component based ontime.

The generated scheme or converted scheme may be performed within a setrange. That is, in the process of recognizing at least a portion of thedriving scheme, the generation or conversion of the driving scheme maybe performed within a predetermined reference in which the recognizedportion appears (e.g., restriction set by a user, constraint set underthe control of the energy management component or energy consumptioncomponent, or the like).

Therefore, in a case where the set range is out of the predeterminedreference, it is restricted to generate the unrecognized portion or toconvert the recognized portion into another scheme.

Another embodiment is proposed.

Cost information may further included in the recognized driving scheme.That is, in a case where the cost information is recognized, a portionrelated to the drive time or course may be generated. The generateddriving scheme may be recommended.

Meanwhile, a response of the specific component based on the informationrelated to the fluctuation of the energy cost (high-cost or low-costinformation), e.g., a power control for power saving driving, may beperformed. An output decrease (including an output of zero) or outputincrease may be included in the output control.

It is as described above that the output is decreased or zero,maintained or increased based on the recognition for the information(on-peak or off-peak) related to energy cost.

If high-cost information is recognized, the output may be zero ordecreased. Specifically, the output in the recognition of the high-costinformation may be decreased as compared with that in the recognition oflow-cost information. As described above, the decrease of the output maybe previously determined before the specific component is operated, ormay be changed when the high-cost information is recognized posterior tothe start of the operation of the specific component.

In a case where the output of the specific component is zero ordecreased, the function to be performed by the specific component may belost as compared with a normal case. Therefore, a response for restoringthe lost function may be performed.

As an example, after the output of the specific component is decreased,the specific component may be controlled so that the total operationtime of the specific component is increased or so that the output isincreased in at least a time period.

In other words, if specific reference information related to energyinformation is recognized in a period after the output of the specificcomponent is controlled, the response for controlling the output may bereleased. Here, the term “period” may be divided based on a point oftime when the high-cost information is recognized.

The total operation time may be understood as a time approaching aspecific target in the process of performing the function of thespecific component. As an example, in a case where the specificcomponent is an electric appliance (washing machine, drying machine,cooking appliance or the like) intermittently driven (or driven in aspecific course), the total operation time may be understood as a timeuntil a corresponding course is completed.

On the other hand, in a case where the specific component is an electricappliance (refrigerator, water purifier, or the like) driven at normaltimes, the total operation time may be understood as a time approachinga target set for performing the function of the specific component. Forexample, the set target may be a target temperature, a target amount ofice produced, or a target amount of clean water in the refrigerator.

The total operation time may be increased as compared with the operationtime set before the output of the specific component is decreased. In acase where the output of the specific component is not decreased, thetotal operation time may be increased as compared with the operationtime of the specific component. However, although the total operationtime of the specific component is increased, the specific component iscontrolled so that the total energy cost generated through the drive ofthe specific component can be saved as compared with that when theoutput of the specific component is not decreased.

If the high-cost information is recognized, the output of the specificcomponent may be increased.

However, although the output is increased at a point of time when thehigh-cost information is recognized, the total output of the specificcomponent during the entire driving period may be decreased ormaintained as compared with that when the specific component is operatedunder a normal output. Alternatively, although the output is increasedat a point of time when the high-cost information is recognized, thetotal power consumption or total time-based pricing of the specificcomponent during the entire driving period may be decreased as comparedwith that when the specific component is operated under the normaloutput.

If the low-cost information is recognized, the output of the specificcomponent may be increased. For example, in a case where the operationreservation of the specific component is set up, the driving of thespecific component may be started before the setup time, or a componenthaving a large output in a plurality of components may be first driven.In a case where the specific component is a refrigerator, supercoolingmay be performed by increasing an output as compared with the existingoutput. In a case where the specific component is a washing machine or awasher, hot water may be stored by driving a heater earlier than thetime when the heater is to be operated. Alternatively, in a case wherethe specific component recognizes an off-peak signal (e.g., at a pointof time of recognition), electricity may be stored.

Meanwhile, in a case of a specific condition (additional condition) isgenerated based on the information related to the fluctuation of theenergy cost (high-cost or low-cost information), the response of thespecific component, e.g., the output control for power saving driving,may be limited. That is, the output of the specific component may bemaintained.

Here, the term “limitation” may be understood as the release of theoutput control performed or not performed.

The specific condition includes a case where influence on energy cost isminute even though the output control of the specific component is notperformed or a case where it is necessary to prevent a function to beperformed by the specific component from being degraded when the outputof the specific component is controlled.

Whether or not the influence on the energy cost is minute may bedetermined based on a predetermined reference (time-based pricing, powerconsumption or information on operation time). The predeterminedreference may be a relative or absolute value.

The case where the function to be performed by the specific component isdegraded may be considered as a case where the specific component is adefrosting heater, for example.

In a case where it is controlled to decrease the output in a high-costtime period and to increase the output in the low-cost time period, thedriving of the defrosting heater is more frequently performed than thatduring a normal time (setup period). In this case, the temperature of astorage room in the refrigerator is increased, and thus, the control ofthe output can be limited.

Meanwhile, the specific component 30 may include a display unit 31 fordisplaying information. In this embodiment, the term “informationdisplay” means that visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile informationis known to the outside. The display unit 31 may include a touch screenfor selecting or inputting information. Alternatively, the specificcomponent 30 may include a separate input unit for inputting informationby cable or radio.

All the information (energy information or additional information exceptthe energy information) described above may be displayed in the displayunit 31. One of the energy information and additional information may bedisplayed, or two or more pieces of information may be simultaneouslydisplayed. That is, two or more pieces of information may besimultaneously displayed in the display unit 31. As an example, in acase where two or more pieces of information are simultaneouslydisplayed, any one of the information is selected. Then, the selectedscreen may be enlarged, and the unselected screen may reduced. Asanother example, if any one of the two or more pieces of information isselected, the selected screen may be enlarged, and the unselected screenmay disappear. In a case where specific information is selected and theselected screen is enlarged, information more specific that the previousinformation or information different from the previous information maybe displayed on the enlarged screen. For example, in a case where theselected information is a character, graphic information may bedisplayed on the enlarged screen, or two or more pieces of informationmay be sequentially displayed on the enlarged screen. In a case wheretwo or more pieces of information are displayed in the display unit 31,two or more relative positions may be varied.

Information except energy cost information and energy cost may bedisplayed in the display unit 31. The energy cost information mayinclude current cost, past cost or estimated cost in the future. Theenergy cost information may include not only information on costinformation in a specific period or time but also information on costused with respect to the operation of a component, cost used in thepresent, cost to be used (estimation cost), or the like.

The information except the energy cost information may includeinformation on energy reduction, emergency situation, grid safety, powergeneration quantity, operation priority, energy consumption, energysupply amount, information (e.g., cost change rate, average cost, levelor the like) newly generated based on two or more pieces of information(one or more pieces of energy cost information and/or information exceptthe one or more pieces of energy cost information), and the like. Inthis instance, the energy consumption may be energy consumption used twoor more HANs, and may be simultaneously or selectively displayed.

The information on energy consumption may include information on pastconsumption, current consumption and estimated consumption in thefuture. The information on energy consumption may include information onaccumulated consumption for a specific period (time), averageconsumption, increasing rate of consumption, decreasing rate ofconsumption, maximum consumption, minimum consumption, and the like. Theadditional information may include one or more of environmentinformation, time information, information related to the one or morecomponents, information related to another component and informationrelated to a user using the one or more components. The environmentinformation may include one or more of information related to carbondioxide emission rate, concentration of carbon dioxide in air,temperature, humidity, precipitation, presence of rainfall, amount ofsolar radiation, amount of wind.

In addition to the information described above, information refinedbased on at least one information or newly generated information mayalso be displayed in the display unit 31.

In a case where the specific component 30 is the energy storagecomponent 13 or 23, the presence of use of the stored electricity, theremaining amount of the store electricity and the like may be displayed.If the remaining amount of the stored electricity is less than apredetermined value, alarm information may be displayed.

The information displayed in the display unit 31 may include one or moreof information on number, character, sentence, figure, shape, symbol,image and light. The information displayed in the display unit 31 mayinclude one or more of information on graph for each time or period,level, table. One or more of the shape, color, brightness, size,position, alarm period, alarm time of the information displayed in thedisplay unit 31 may be varied.

A currently operable function (or menu) may be displayed in the displayunit 31. Alternatively, among a plurality of functions, operable andinoperable function may be divided by size, color, position and thelike, and then displayed in the display unit 31. Alternatively, in acase where separate input units are provided, only an input units forselecting an operable function may be activated, or an input unit forselecting an operable function and an input unit for selecting aninoperable function may be displayed in different colors.

The target or display method of information displayed in the displayunit 31 may be set and changed by a user, or may be changedautomatically. In a case where a condition for informing the user ofinformation is satisfied, specific information may be displayed in thedisplay unit 31. It will be apparent that a portion of a pluralitypieces of information may be continuously displayed in the state that acomponent is turned on. The display time of the information may bechanged or set automatically or manually.

If specific information (one or more pieces of information) is selectedusing the input unit, the selected information may be displayed. If auser contacts a portion of a component, e.g., an input unit, a handle, adisplay or the like, regardless of information display selection, oroperates one or more buttons or knobs that constitute the input unit, aportion of the information may be displayed. In this instance, theinformation to be displayed may be set or changed. It will be apparentthat a sensing unit for sensing a user's contact may be provided to thecomponent. Alternatively, the specific information may be displayed byinstallation environment or variation of outdoor environment.Alternatively, the specific information may be displayed when thespecific component receives new information. Alternatively, the specificinformation may be displayed when the kind or state of the specificcomponent is changed.

As an example, if a light emitting unit is turned off in an off-peaksection and an on-peak section comes, the light emitting unit may beturned on. Alternatively, the specific information may be automaticallydisplayed when the operation or state of the component is changed. As anexample, in a case where the mode of the component is changed,information related to the changed mode may be automatically displayed.Meanwhile, the display unit 31 may be separably connected or fixed tothe component 30. In a case where the display unit 31 is separable fromthe component 30, it may perform wired or wireless communication withthe component 30 (or control unit of the component). In a case where thedisplay unit 31 is fixed to the component 30, it may also perform wiredor wireless communication with the component 30.

In a case where the display unit 31 is separable from the component 30,a communication unit and an input unit for inputting or selectinginformation may be provided to the display unit 31. Thus, informationcan be inputted or selected through the input unit in the state that thedisplay unit 31 is separated from the component 30. The communicationunit may be provided to the component 30, and only the display unit 31may be separated from the component 30. The display unit 31 may be theenergy management component 24, the energy metering component 25 or thecentral management component 27, or may be a separate control apparatus.

In a case where the display unit 31 is provided with a communicationunit, a communication unit may also provided to the component 30. In acase where the display unit 31 and the component 30 are in the statethat they are communicated with each other and information istransmitted/receive through a communication signal, the display unit 31may be used. That is, in a case where the intensity of a signal issecured so that information can be included in the communication signal,the display unit 31 may be in an available state. On the other hand, ina case where the display unit 31 is not communicated with the component30 or information is not included in the communication signal due to theweak intensity of the signal, the display unit may be in an unavailablestate. One of the display unit 31 and the component 30 transmits acommunication signal, and the other of the display unit 31 and thecomponent 30 transmits a response signal. The presence of use of thedisplay unit 31 may be determined by the presence of reception of thecommunication and response signals and the signal intensity. That is, ina case where any one of the display unit 31 and the component 30 doesnot receive a signal or the intensity of received signal is less than areference intensity, it may be determined that the display unit 31 isunavailable. Any one of the display unit 31 and the component 30 mayincrease the intensity of a transmission signal until it receives aresponse signal of which intensity is more than the reference intensity.

Information for informing the user of the presence of use of the displayunit 31 may be displayed in the display unit 31 or the component 30. Ifit is recognized that the display unit 31 is unavailable, the component30 may be controlled to increase its unique performance, to perform adoor locking function or to limit its operation. Alternatively, thepower of the component may be off while maintaining the power of acommunication apparatus (modem) required to perform communication in thenetwork system. Alternatively, the power of the component may be offwhile maintaining only a memory function for storing the stateinformation of the component.

Meanwhile, sensors may be provided to the respective display unit 31 andcomponent 30 so as to sense the presence of mounting of the display unit31. As an example, the presence of mounting of the display unit 31 maybe determined when the component 30 is operated. Each of the sensors maybe a vibration sensor for sensing vibration. If the display unit 31 ismounted on the component 30, vibration generated in the operation of thecomponent 30 can be transferred to the display unit 31. Therefore, in acase where the difference between the values of vibrations respectivelysensed by the sensors is less than a predetermined value, it may berecognized that the display unit 31 is mounted on the component 30. Ifit is recognized that the display unit 31 is mounted on the component30, the operation of the component 30 may be controlled so thatvibration or noise generated in the operation of the component 30 isdecreased. As an example, in a case where the component 30 is a washingmachine or drier, the rotation speed of a motor may be decreased. In acase where the component 30 is a refrigerator, the driving period of acompressor may be decreased. On the contrary, if it is recognized thatthe display unit 31 is separated from the component 30, the componentmay be controlled to increase its unique performance, to perform a doorlocking function or to limit its operation.

As another example, each of the sensor may be a temperature sensor. In acase where the difference between the values of temperaturesrespectively sensed by the sensors is less than a predetermined value,it may be recognized that the display unit 31 is mounted on thecomponent 30.

In the state that the display unit 31 is separated from the component30, an auxiliary display unit may be provided to the component 30 so asto enable the operation of the component 30. The presence of operationof the auxiliary display unit may be determined based on the presence ofuse of the display unit 31. As an example, if the display unit 31 isseparated from the component 30 or is unavailable, the auxiliary displayunit may be turned on.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the communication structure of two componentsthat constitute the network system according to a first embodiment. FIG.5 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of acommunication device that constitutes a communication unit.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, first and second component 61 and 62 thatconstitute the network system may perform wired or wirelesscommunication by means of a communication unit 50. The first and secondcomponents 61 and 62 may perform unidirectional or bidirectionalcommunication.

In a case where the two components 61 and 62 perform wiredcommunication, the communication unit 50 may be a simple communicationline or power line communication means. It will be apparent that thepower line communication means may include communicators (e.g., a modemor the like) respectively connected to the two components.

In a case where the two components 61 and 62 perform wirelesscommunication, the communication unit 50 may include a firstcommunicator 51 connected to the first component 61 and a secondcommunicator 52 connected to the second component 62. In this case, thefirst and second communicators 51 and 52 perform wireless communicationwith each other.

As an example, if any one of the first and second comunicators ispowered on, one of the two communicators may transmit a networkparticipation request signal, and the other of the two communicators maytransmit a permission signal. As another example, if any one of thefirst and second comunicators is powered on, the powered-on communicatormay transmit a network participation request signal to a communicatorpreviously participated in the network, and the communicator thatreceives the request signal may transmit a permission signal to thepowered-on communicator.

In a case where a communicator that recognizes energy informationdetermines that an error occurs in the received information in the statethat a specific component participates in the network, the informationis re-requested. For example, in a case where the first communicatorreceives energy information from the second communicator but an erroroccurs in the received information, the first communicator may requestthe second communicator to re-transmit the energy information. If thefirst communicator does not receive normal information for apredetermined time or number of times, it is determined that the firstcommunicator has an error. In this case, information for informing auser of the error may be displayed in the first communicator or thefirst component 61.

The first component 61 may be a component that constitutes the UAN 10 ora component that constitutes the HAN 20.

The second component 62 may be a component that constitutes the UAN 10or a component that constitutes the HAN 20.

The first and second components 61 and 62 may be the same kind ofcomponent or different kinds of components.

Components may be joined in the UAN 10 or the HAN 20.

Specifically, addresses may be assigned to a plurality of components,e.g., first and second components, respectively. Here, the addresses arenecessary for performing communication between the components and can bemapped to at least a group.

The address may be understood as values respectively converted from theunique code of the first or second component. That is, at least aportion of the components that constitute the network system may have anunchangeable/unique code, and the code may be converted into an addressfor building a network.

In other words, product codes for at least some of the plurality ofcomponents capable of constituting first and second networks may beconverted into different network codes based on the constitutednetworks.

As an example, the product code may be a unique code determined inproduction of electric appliances or a code separately provided for theregistration of a network. The product code may be converted into anidentity (ID) for identifying a network to which the electric applianceis to be registered.

The first and second networks may be networks that constitute the UAN 10or networks that constitute the HAN 20. On the other hand, the first andsecond networks may be the UAN 10 and the HAN 20, respectively.Alternatively, the first and second networks may be the HAN 20 and theUAN 10, respectively.

A first component and a second component for allowing the firstcomponent to participate in the network may be included in the pluralityof components that constitute the network. For example, the firstcomponent may be an electric appliance and the second component may be aserver.

Any one of the first and second components transmits a request signalfor participating in the network, and the other of the first and secondcomponents may transmit a permission signal.

That is, a signal may be transmitted/received between the first andsecond components, and whether or not to participate in the network maybe determined based on the transmission time or number of the signal.

As an example, the first component transmits a test signal to the secondcomponent, and it is determined whether or not a response signal fromthe second component is transmitted to the first component. In a casewhere the response signal is not transmitted, the first componentre-transmits the test signal, and it is re-determined whether or not aresponse signal from the second component is transmitted to the firstcomponent. By repeating such a process, if the transmission number ofthe test signal exceeds the setting number of the test signal, it may bedetermined that the second component does not participate in thenetwork.

Meanwhile, the first component may transmit the test signal to thesecond component. If a response signal from the second component is nottransmitted within a setup time, it may be determined that the secondcomponent does not participate in the network.

The first and second communicators 51 and 52 may have the samestructure. Hereinafter, the first and second communicators 51 and 52will be referred to as a communicator 51 and 52.

The communicator 51 and 52 may include a first communication part 511for communication with the first component 61, a second communicationpart 512 for communication with the second component 62, a memory 513for storing information received from the first component 61 andinformation received from the second component 62, a processor 516 forperforming information processing, and a power supply 517 for supplyingpower to the communicator 51 and 52.

Specifically, the communication language (or scheme) of the firstcommunication part 511 may be identical to or different from that of thesecond communication part 512.

Two kinds of information respectively received from the two componentsmay be stored in the memory 513. The two kinds of information may bestored in a single sector or may be respectively stored in sectors. Inany case, an area in which the information received from the firstcomponent 61 may be referred to as a first memory 514, and an area inwhich the information received from the second component 62 may bereferred to as a second memory 515.

The processor 516 may generate first information or generate second andthird information based on information received from the component oranother communicator.

As an example, in a case where the communicator 51 and 52 receives thefirst information, it may generate information or sequentially generatethe information and the second information by processing a data.Alternatively, in a case where the communicator 51 and 52 receives thefirst information, it may generate the second and third information byprocessing a data. In a case where the communicator 51 and 52 receivesthe third information, it may new third information.

For example, in a case where the second component is an energyconsumption component (electric home appliance, component thatconstitutes the electric home appliance, or the like), the secondcommunicator may generate a command for reducing energy consumption. Ina case where the second component is an energy generation component,energy distribution component or energy storage component, the secondcommunicator 52 may generate a command for energy generation time,generation amount, energy distribution time, distribution amount, energystorage time, storage amount or the like. In this case, the secondcommunicator 52 serves as an energy management component.

The power supply 517 may receive electricity supplied from thecomponents 61 and 62 or may receive electricity supplied from a separatepower source. Alternatively, the power supply 517 may be a battery orthe like.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a communication performing process between aspecific component and a communication device according to the firstembodiment.

Hereinafter, for convenience of illustration, a communication performingprocess between the second component 62 and the second communicator 52will be described as an example. A communication performing processbetween the first component 61 and the first communicator 51 may beidentically applied to that between the second component 62 and thesecond communicator 62.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second communicator 52 receives amessage from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 52 mayreceive a message in real time or by periods without transmitting arequest for the message to the first communicator 51, or may receive amessage as a response for the request for the message to the firstcommunicator 51. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 may receive amessage by requesting information to the first communicator 51 at apoint of time when it is initially turned on. Then, the secondcommunicator 52 may receive information in real time or by periods fromthe first communicator 51 without a request for information.

The information received from the first communicator 51 is stored in thememory 513. The second communicator 52 transmits a message to the secondcomponent 62 as a response for the message. In this instance, themessage transmitted to the second component 62 relates to newinformation different from the information previously stored in thememory 513, or information generated in the processor 516.

Then, the second component 62 transmits an acknowledge character (ack)or negative acknowledge character (Nak) to the second communicator 52 asa response for the message. The second component 62 performs a function(generation of a command, operation, or the like) based on the receivedinformation, or waits for performing the function.

Meanwhile, the second communicator 52 requests component information tothe second component 62 in real time or by periods. As an example, thecomponent information may be component state information or informationon a component unique code, a manufacturer, a service name code, anelectricity use amount, and the like. Then, the second component 62transmits component information to the second communicator 52 as aresponse for the request. The component information is stored in thememory 513 of the second communicator 52. If the second communicator 52receives a message for requesting the component information from thefirst communicator 51, it transmits the component information stored inthe memory 513 to the first communicator 51 as a response for themessage. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits thecomponent information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator51 in real time or by periods.

The second communicator 52 may transmit the information of the firstcomponent, stored in the memory, to the first component together withthe information received from the first component. Alternatively, thesecond communicator 52 may transmit the information of the firstcomponent, stored in the memory, to the first component, separately fromtransmitting the information received from the first component.

The second communicator 52 stores the information of the secondcomponent 62 in the memory 513. Hence, in a case where the secondcommunicator 52 receives a message for requesting the componentinformation from the first communicator 51, it transmits the componentinformation stored in the memory 513 directly to the first communicator51 without a request for information to the second component 62, andthus, the communication load of the second component 62 can be reduced.That is, the second component becomes a virtual component.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a communication performing process between aspecific component and a communication device according to a secondembodiment.

Hereinafter, for convenience of illustration, a communication performingprocess between the second component 62 and the second communicator 52will be described as an example. A communication performing processbetween the first component 61 and the first communicator 51 may beidentically applied to that between the second component 62 and thesecond communicator 62.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the second communicator 52 receives amessage from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 52 mayreceive a message in real time or by periods without transmitting arequest for the message to the first communicator 51, or may receive amessage as a response for the request for the message to the firstcommunicator 51. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 may receive amessage by requesting information to the first communicator 51 at apoint of time when it is initially turned on. Then, the secondcommunicator 52 may receive information in real time or by periods fromthe first communicator 51 without a request for information.

If the second communicator 52 receives a message for requestinginformation from the second component 62, it transmits a message to thesecond component 62 as a response for the message for requesting theinformation. In this instance, the message transmitted to the secondcomponent 62 relates to new information different from the informationpreviously stored in the memory 513, or information generated in theprocessor 516. Alternatively, the information transmitted to the secondcomponent 62 may be information received from the first component.

The second component 62 performs a function based on the receivedinformation or waits for performing the function.

Meanwhile, the second component 62 transmits component information tothe second component 62 in real time or by periods. As an example, thecomponent information may be component state information or informationon a component unique code, a manufacturer, a service name code, anelectricity use amount, and the like.

As described above, the electric use amount may be detected by the smartmeter. In a case where the electricity use amount is included in theinformation of the second component 62, the correction of an actualelectricity use amount may be performed by comparing the information ofthe second component 62 with the information of the smart meter.

Then, the second communicator 52 stores the information of the secondcomponent 62 in the memory 513, and transmits an acknowledge character(ack) or negative acknowledge character (Nak) to the second component 62as a response for the message.

If the second communicator 52 receives a message for requestingcomponent information from the first communicator 51, it transmits theinformation of the second component 62, stored in the memory 513, to thefirst communicator 51 as a response for the message. Alternatively, thesecond communicator 52 the information of the second component 62,stored in the memory 513, to the first communicator 51 in real time orby periods.

The second communicator 52 stores the information of the secondcomponent 62 in the memory 513. Hence, in a case where the secondcommunicator 52 receives the message for requesting the componentinformation from the first communicator 51, it transmits the informationstored in the memory 513 directly to the first communicator 51 withouttransmitting a request for information to the second component 62, andthus, the communication load of the second component 62 can be reduced.That is, the second communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.

<Applications>

In the following descriptions, the first and second components may bereversed to each other, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will beomitted. For example, in a case where the first component is an electrichome appliance and the second component is an energy managementcomponent, description in a case where the first component is an energymanagement component and the second component is an electric homeappliance will be omitted.

Information transmitted/received by each of the components may be allthe information described above. Particularly, specific information maybe transmitted/received for each of the components.

The energy generation components 11 and 21 may transmit/receiveinformation related to energy generation amount, and the like. Theenergy distribution components 12 and 22 may transmit/receiveinformation related to energy distribution amount, distribution time,and the like. The energy storage components 13 and 23 maytransmit/receive information related to energy storage amount, storagetime, and the like. The energy metering components 15 and 25 maytransmit/receive information related to energy consumption amount, andthe like. The energy management components 14 and 24 maytransmit/receive information related to energy generation, distribution,storage, consumption, cost, reliability, emergency situation, and thelike.

(1) Case where Second Component is One Component of HAN

The second component 62 may be an energy consumption component 26, e.g.,a heater, motor, compressor, display or the like. In this case, thefirst component 61 may be a MICOM or energy consumption component 26 asan example. The MICOM or energy consumption component 26 may transmit amessage for reducing energy consumption to another energy consumptioncomponent 26. Then, the another energy consumption component 26 mayperform an operation for reducing energy, for example.

As another example, the energy consumption component 26 may be anelectric home appliance. In this case, the first component 61 may be anenergy storage component 23, an energy consumption component 26(electric home appliance), an energy management component 24, an energymetering component 25, a central management component 27, a web servercomponent 28, or a component that constitutes the UAN 10.

In this instance, an energy management function may be included or notincluded in the first component 61 except the energy managementcomponent 24.

In a case where an energy management function or solution is notincluded in the first component 61, it may be included in thecommunication unit or may be included in the MICOM of the secondcomponent 62. In this case, the energy management function is related tothe consumption of energy.

As still another example, the second component 62 may be an energygeneration component 21, an energy distribution component 22 or anenergy storage component 23. In this case, the first component 61 may bean energy management component 24, a central management component 27, aweb server component 28 or a component that constitutes the UAN 10.

A message may be transmitted to the second component 62. Here, themessage may include energy generation time, generation amount or thelike, energy distribution time, distribution amount or the like, andenergy storage time, storage amount or the like.

In this instance, an energy management function may be included or notincluded in the first component 61 except the energy managementcomponent 24.

In a case where an energy management function or solution is notincluded in the first component 61, it may be included in thecommunication unit. In this case, the energy management function isrelated to the generation, distribution and storage of energy.

As still another example, the second component may be an energy meteringcomponent 25. In this case, the first component 61 may be a centralmanagement component 27, a web server component 28 or a component thatconstitutes the UAN 10.

An energy management function may be included or not included in theenergy metering component. In a case where the energy managementfunction is included in the energy metering component 25, the energymetering component 25 performs the same operation as the EMS.

In a case where an energy management function or solution is included inthe energy metering component 25, it may be included in thecommunication unit or may be included in the second component 62.

As still another example, the second component 62 may be a centralmanagement component 27. In this case, the first component 61 may be aweb server component 28 or a component that constitutes the UAN 10.

(2) Case where Second Component is One Component of UAN

The first component 61 may be a component that constitutes the UAN 10.In this case, the first and second components 61 and 62 may be the samekind of component or different kinds of components.

An energy management function may be included in the first component 61,the second component 62 or the communication unit.

The energy management function included in a specific component or theenergy management function included in the energy management component14 may be related to generation amount, distribution amount, storageamount, energy use amount of a component that constitutes the HAN 20.

In this specification, an example capable of constituting the networksystem has been described. However, any component not mentioned in thisspecification may be a first or second component that performscommunication through the communication unit. For example, an automobilemay be a second component, and the energy management component 24 may bea first component.

(3) Case where One of First and Second Components Communicates withThird Component

Although the communication between two components has been described inthe aforementioned examples, each of the first and second components mayperform communication with one or more components (a third component toan n-th component).

In this case, the relation of the first or second component thatperforms communication with the third component and the like may be oneof the aforementioned examples.

For example, the first component may be a component that constitutes theUAN, the second component may be an energy management component 24 thatcommunicates with the first component, and the third component may be anenergy consumption component 26 that communicates with the secondcomponent. In this instance, one or more of the three components maycommunicate with another component.

In this specification, the first to n-th components may be componentsthat constitute the UAN or components that constitute the HAN.Alternatively, a portion of the components may be components thatconstitute the UAN, or another portion of the components may becomponents that constitute the HAN.

Hereinafter, third and fourth embodiments will be described. Adifference between these embodiments and the aforementioned embodimentswill be mainly described, and descriptions and reference numerals willbe quoted to elements of these embodiments identical to those of theaforementioned embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the communication structure of components thatconstitute the network system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 isa block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a first componentin FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a first component 70 may communicate withsecond to fifth components 82, 83, 84 and 85. Hereinafter, it will bedescribed as an example that the first component 70 is a centralmanagement component (home server), the second and third components 82and 83 are energy consumption components (electric home appliances), thefourth component 84 is an energy metering component (smart meter), andthe fifth component 85 is a component that constitutes the UAN. Thecomponents may communicate with each other by means of a communicationunit. In the network system illustrated in FIG. 8, each of thecomponents is directly connected to the first component 70 tocommunicate with the first component 70. However, in a case where eachof the components 82, 83, 84 and 85 is connected to new components tocommunicate with the new components, the network system may be extendedand operated by the new components.

The second and third components 82 and 83 may be the same kind ofcomponent or different kinds of components. In this embodiment, it willbe described as an example that the second and third components 82 and83 are different kinds of energy consumption components.

The first component 70 may simply transmit information received from thefourth component 84 and/or the fifth component 85 to the secondcomponent 82 and/or the third component 83, or may process the receivedinformation and transmit the processed information.

The first component 70 may simply transmit information received from thesecond component 82 and/or the third component 83 to the fourthcomponent 84 and/or the fifth component 85 (a signal may be converted),or may process the received information and transmit the processedinformation (the information is converted.

The first component 70 includes a communication unit 760 for performingcommunication with another component, a central manager 710 for managingthe entire operation and/or information processing of the firstcomponent, and an application programming interface 720 (hereinafter,referred to as an

PI? for performing an interface between the communication unit 760 andthe central manager 710 (specifically, application software).

The communication unit 760 includes a first communication part 762 forperforming communication with the second and third components 82 and 83,a second communication part 764 for performing communication with thefourth component 84, and a third communication part 766 for performingcommunication with the fifth component 85.

In this instance, the first and second communication parts 762 and 764may use different communication protocols from each other. As anexample, the first communication part 762 may use Zigbee and the secondcommunication part 764 may use Wi-fi. In this embodiment, the kind ofcommunication protocol or method used by the first and secondcommunication parts 762 and 764 is not limited. The third communicationcomponent 766 may use Internet communication as an example.

The API 720 includes a first API 722, a second API 724 and a third API726. The third API 726 is an interface between the central manager 710and the third communication part 766, and the first API 722 is aninterface between the first communication part 762 and the centralmanager 710. The second API 724 is an interface between the secondcommunication part 762 and the central manager 710.

The first component 70 further includes a local manager 740 and aninterpreter 750. In a case where the information to betransmitted/received between the API 720 and the communication unit 760is information related to operations of energy consumption components(electric home appliances), the local manager 740 outputs informationcorresponding to the respective energy consumption components. Theinterpreter 750 interprets information transmitted from the localmanager 740 to the communication unit 760 or information received in thecommunication unit 760. The information outputted from the interpreter750 is used to set or get values of information related to therespective energy consumption components.

The local manager 740 includes a memory (not shown) in which informationrelated to one or more energy consumption components is stored.Alternatively, the local manager 740 may be connected to a memory inwhich information related to one or more energy consumption componentsis stored. The information related to each of the energy consumptioncomponents may include operation information of each of the energyconsumption components and information for controlling the energyconsumption components. The information related to each of the energyconsumption components may further include software download informationfor operating each of the energy consumption components and informationfor remote controlling/monitoring.

As an example, in a case where a plurality of energy consumptioncomponents include a washing machine, a refrigerator and a cookingappliance, information related to each of the energy consumptioncomponents is stored in the memory. The information related to each ofthe energy consumption components may be changed as components connectedto the network system are changed.

If a signal is transmitted from the API 720 to the local manager 740,information corresponding to a specific energy consumption component isoutputted. In a case where a plurality of energy consumption componentsexist, information on the plurality of energy consumption components isoutputted. The interpreter 750 interprets the information transmittedfrom the local manager 740 into a machine language so as to transmit theinformation to the energy consumption components. The machine languagemay be a signal used to set or get the operation information of theenergy consumption components.

The information transmission process in the first component 70 will bedescribed.

As an example, the first component 70 may receive energy information(e.g., an energy reduction signal: first command) from the forthcomponent 45 through the second communication part 764. The receivedenergy information is transmitted to the central manager 710 through thesecond API 724. In the process of information transmission between thesecond API 724 and the central manager 710, only a signal including theinformation is converted, and the content of the information is notconverted.

Since the energy information is information related to the energyconsumption reduction of the energy consumption components, the centralmanager 710 transmits information (second command) related to operationsof the energy consumption components to the API 720. As an example, thecentral manager 710 transmits information necessary for turning offpower of the washing machine or refrigerator.

Then, the information is transmitted from the first API 722 to the localmanager 740.

The local manager 740 transmits information (third command) forcontrolling the operation of each of the energy consumption componentsto the interpreter 750 based on the information transmitted from thefirst API 722. As an example, in a case where the informationtransmitted from the first API 722 is information having different kindsof energy consumption components as targets, the local manager 740transmits information related to the control of each of the energyconsumption components to the interpreter 750. In this case, since thelocal manager 740 receives the second command and outputs the thirdcommand, the information inputted to the local manager 740 is convertedand outputted by the local manager 740.

Subsequently, the interpreter 750 interprets the information transmittedfrom the local manager 740 into a machine language (signal). Then, theconverted signal is transmitted to the target energy consumptioncomponents (second and third components) through the first communicationpart 762. Then, the energy consumption components (second and thirdcomponents) are finally turned off so as to reduce energy.

Although it has been described above that the first component receivesinformation through the second communication part, the first componentmay receive information through the third component so that theinformation related to the energy consumption components is outputted.

Meanwhile, the second and third components 82 and 83 may transmit theirown operation information to the first component 70. Since theinformation transmitted from the second and third components 82 and 83is information related to operations of the energy consumptioncomponents, the signal received in the first communication part 762 istransmitted to the central manager 710 via the interpreter 750, thelocal manager 760 and the first API 722. In such an informationtransmission process, the information related to the second and thirdcomponents 82 and 83 is stored in the local manager 740. In thisembodiment, since the information related to the energy consumptioncomponents is stored in the local manager, the local manager may beunderstood as a virtual energy consumption component (abstractionmodel).

The central manager 710 may transmit the received information to thesecond communication part 764 and/or the third communication part 766.The operation of the first component will be described. The informationreceived through the communication unit 760 may be transmitted directlyto the API 720, or may be converted (via the interpreter and the localmanager) and then transmitted to the API 720, based on the kind ofinformation (or the type of signal).

The information transmitted from the central manager 740 may betransmitted directly to the communication unit 760, or may be convertedand then transmitted to the communication unit 760.

As another example, the interpreter may be included in the local manager740, and the information received through the communication unit 760 istransmitted to the local manager 740. However, converted information maybe outputted, or information may be outputted as it is withoutconverting the information.

Meanwhile, in a case where the information transmitted to the API 720through the second or third communication part 764 or 766 is information(raw data or refined data) related to time-based pricing, the centralmanager 710 determines the presence of on-peak time. In the case of theon-peak time, the central manager 710 may transmit the information(first command) for controlling the operations of the energy consumptioncomponents to the API 720. Then, the information is converted throughthe local manager 740, and the converted information (second command) istransmitted to the energy consumption components through the firstcommunication part 762. Alternatively, the central manager 710 maytransmit the information related to the time-based pricing to the firstcommunication part 762 through the second API 724 without determiningthe presence of on-peak time. In this case, the information may beconverted or not converted. That is, in a case where the central managerdirectly receives first information (raw data), it may transmit thefirst information as it is, or convert the first information into asecond information (refined data) and then transmit the secondinformation.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the communication structure of components thatconstitute the network system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a firstcomponent in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the network system of this embodiment mayinclude at least first to fourth components 92, 94, 96 and 98.

The first component 92 may communicate with the second to fourthcomponents 94, 96 and 98. The fourth component 98 may communicate withthe first to third components 92, 94 and 96.

Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the first component92 is a central management component (home server), the second and thirdcomponents 94 and 96 are energy consumption components (electric homeappliances), and the fourth component 98 is an energy metering component(smart meter).

The central management component (home server) may be understood as acomponent necessary for controlling at least a component thatconstitutes the HAN 20.

The first component 92 includes a communication unit 970 for performingcommunication with another component, a central manager 920 for managingthe entire operation and/or information transmission/reception of thefirst component 92, and an application programming interface 930(hereinafter, referred to as an “API”) that serves as an interfacebetween the communication unit 970 and the central manager 920(specifically, application software).

The communication unit 970 may include a first communication component972 for performing communication with the second to fourth components94, 96 and 98, and a second communication component 974 for performingInternet communication.

The API 930 includes a first API 932 and a second API 934. The secondAPI 934 is an interface between the central manager 920 and the secondcommunication part 974, and the first API 930 is an interface betweenthe first communication part 972 and the central manager 920. The firstcomponent 92 further includes a local manager 950 and an interpreter960. In a case where the information to be transmitted/received betweenthe API 932 and the communication unit 970 is information related tooperations of energy consumption components (electric home appliances),the local manager 950 outputs information corresponding to therespective energy consumption components. The interpreter 960 interpretsinformation transmitted from the local manager 950 to the communicationunit 970 or information received in the communication unit 970.

In this embodiment, the functions of the interpreter and the localmanager are identical to those of the third embodiment, and therefore,their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

The information transmission process in the first component 92 will bedescribed.

As an example, the first component 92 may receive energy information(e.g., energy reduction signal) from the fourth component 98 through thefirst communication part 972. Alternatively, the first component 92 mayreceive energy information from an external component connected toInternet through the second communication part 974.

The received energy information is transmitted directly to the first orsecond API 932 or 934 and then transmitted to the central manager 920.Since the energy information is information related to the energyconsumption reduction of the energy consumption components, the centralmanager 920 transmits information related to the operations of theenergy consumption components to the first API 932. As an example, thecentral manager 920 transmits information necessary for turning offpower of a washing machine or refrigerator.

Then, the information is transmitted from the first API 932 to the localmanager 950.

The local manager 950 transmits information for controlling theoperation of each of the energy consumption components to theinterpreter 960 based on the information transmitted from the first API932. As an example, in a case where the information transmitted from thefirst API is information related to different kinds of energyconsumption components, the local manager 950 transmits informationrelated to the control of each of the energy consumption components tothe interpreter 960.

Subsequently, the interpreter 960 interprets the information transmittedfrom the local manager 960 into a machine language (signal). Then, theinterpreted signal is transmitted to the energy consumption componentsthrough the first communication part 972. Then, the energy consumptioncomponents are finally turned off so as to reduce energy.

Meanwhile, the second and third components 94 and 96 may transmit theirown operation information to the first component 92. Since theinformation transmitted from the second and third components isinformation related to the operations of the energy consumptioncomponents, the signal received in the first communication part 972 istransmitted to the central manager 920 via the interpreter 960, thelocal manager 950 and the first API 932. In such an informationtransmission process, the information related to the first and secondcomponents is stored in the local manager 950.

The central manager 920 may transmit the received information to thefirst communication part 972. Then, the information of the second andthird components 94 and 96 is transmitted to the fourth component 98.

The operation of the first component will be described. The informationreceived through the communication unit 970 may be transmitted directlyto the API 930, or may be converted (via the interpreter and the localmanager) and then transmitted to the API 930, based on the kind ofinformation (or the type of signal).

On the contrary, the information transmitted from the central manager920 may be transmitted directly to the communication unit 970, or may beconverted and then transmitted to the communication unit 970.

Meanwhile, in a case where the information transmitted to the API 930through the second communication part 974 is information related totime-based pricing, the central manager 920 determines the presence ofon-peak time. In the case of the on-peak time, the central manager 920may transmit the information for controlling the operations of theenergy consumption components to the API 930. Then, the information istransmitted to the energy consumption components through the localmanager, the interpreter and the first communication part. In this case,the first component may be understood as an energy management component.

Although it has been described above that two energy consumptioncomponents communicate with the first component, the number of energyconsumption components that communicate with the first component is notlimited.

Although it has been described as an example that the first component isa home server, the first component may be an energy managementcomponent. In this case, the fourth component may be a centralmanagement component, an energy management component, a smart meter, orthe like.

As another example, the first component may be a smart meter. In thiscase, the fourth component may be a central management component, anenergy management component, or the like.

As still another example, the first component may be a terminalcomponent (e.g., a gate way).

As still another example, each of the second and third components may bean energy generation component, an energy storage component or the like,which constitutes the HAN. That is, one or more of the energy generationcomponent, the energy consumption component and the energy storagecomponent may communicate with the first component. In addition toinformation related to the energy consumption component, informationrelated to the energy generation component (e.g., information related tothe operation of the energy generation component) and informationrelated to the energy storage component (e.g., information related tothe operation of the energy storage component) may be stored in thememory included in a local network or connected to the local network.

Although it has been described above that the first component performsInternet communication, the Internet communication may not be performed.

Although it has been described in the first embodiment that a singlelocal manager is provided, a plurality of local managers may beprovided. As an example, a first local manager may process informationon an electric home appliance such as a refrigerator or washing machine,and a second local manager may process information on a display productsuch as a television or monitor.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example an example of a componentthat constitutes the network system of the present disclosure. Thefollowing component 100 may be one component of the UAN or HAN.Referring to FIG. 12, the component 100 may include a control unit 110,an input unit 120 for inputting an operational command, and a displayunit 130 for displaying information. In this instance, the input unit120 may be provided in the form of a touch screen to the display unit130. The control unit 130 may communicate with a communicator 140.

The component 100 may further include a sensor, a driver, a memory andthe like according to the kind of the component 100. The input unit ordisplay unit may not be provided to the component 100 according to thekind of the component 100. The component 100 may be a functionperforming component, or may include the function performing component.

Hereinafter, various examples of the operating method of the component100 will be described.

As an example, if a start command is inputted by the input unit 120,optimal driving time information or time except information (drivingmethod) of the component 100 is determined (determination of the optimaldriving condition). The optimal driving time information or time exceptinformation is determined so that electricity usage cost or powerconsumption is decreased. The optimal driving time information may bedetermined so that the component is immediately driven at a currenttime, that the component is driven at a selected time or that thedriving of the component is delayed. In a case where the optimal drivingtime is later than the time (current time) recognized by a user,information for informing the user of this fact may be displayed in thedisplay unit 130.

A driving method or time may be inputted through the input unit 120before the start command is inputted through the input unit 120, and theinputted drying mode or time may be changed or maintained by thedetermination of the optimal driving time information or time exceptinformation. That is, in a case where a specific operation condition isinputted through the input unit, the driving condition of the componentis determined based on at least information related to energy cost.Then, the component is operated based on the determined optimal drivingcondition. Information changed from the inputted driving operationcondition in the optimal driving condition or information not inputtedmay be displayed in the display unit.

As another example, if at least a portion of the high-cost section isincluded in a driving time section of the component, the driving timesection may be changed. Specifically, the driving time section may bedefined by a driving start time and a driving end time. The change ofthe driving time section refers to a change of at least one of thedriving start time and the driving end time. If the driving time sectionis changed, the component may not be operated in at least a portion ofthe high-cost section. As an example, if the high-cost information isrecognized while the component is operated, the operation of thecomponent may be immediately stopped. Alternatively, if the high-costinformation is inputted while the component is operated, the operationof the component may be stopped after the component is operated for acertain period of time. If the high-cost section is ended, the componentin a non-operation state may be re-operated. The driving time sectionmay be changed entirely or partially. The end time of the changeddriving time section may be a time when the high-cost information isrecognized or the previous time (the low-cost section prior to thehigh-cost section).

Alternatively, the end time of the changed driving time section may bepositioned at a low-cost section that comes after the high-cost sectionis ended. Alternatively, the start time of the changed driving timesection may be positioned at a low-cost section that comes after thehigh-cost section is ended.

As still another example, if a specific condition is inputted throughthe input unit 120, at least one of energy information and timeinformation related to the operation of the component may be displayedin the display unit. The energy information may be energy costinformation per unit power or energy usage cost when the component isoperated in a specific mode. The time information related to theoperation of the component may be an operation start time, operation endtime, or a time until the operation of the component is started and thenended.

In this instance, at least one of the energy and time informationdisplayed in the display unit may not be a specific value but be alabeled information. For example, the energy cost may be displayed asone of 1, 2 and 3, one of top, middle and bottom, or the like.Alternatively, the time information may be displayed as one of 1, 2 and3, one of morning, afternoon and evening, or the like

If the energy cost is labeled and then displayed, the time informationmay be labeled and then displayed or may be displayed as a specificvalue. On the contrary, if the time information is labeled and thendisplayed, the energy cost may be labeled and then displayed or may bedisplayed as a specific value. Alternatively, if a specific time isinputted, the energy cost may be labeled and then displayed, or theenergy cost per unit power may be displayed. Alternatively, if aspecific cost is inputted, the time information may be labeled and thendisplayed. Alternatively, in the state that the time information is notinputted, the energy cost may be labeled and then displayed, or may bedisplayed as a specific value. In a case where the energy cost islabeled and then displayed, several pieces of labeled information may bearranged in the order of time.

Alternatively, the energy and time information may be displayedsimultaneously or sequentially. The user may select the operation modeof the component by identifying any one of the energy cost and timeinformation displayed in the display unit.

As still another example, if a specific information is inputted throughthe input unit 120, recommendation information (energy information oradditional information) on the operation mode or time of the componentor the like may be displayed in the display unit. The driving method,power consumption, power saving level or driving start time of thecomponent 100 may be recommended. In this instance, the kind ofinformation inputted through the input unit 120 and another informationmay be displayed. For example, if a driving method is inputted,information except the driving method may be recommended.

In addition to the recommendation information, information related toenergy when the component is operated (when the component is operated ina specific course at a specific time), e.g., electricity usage cost maybe further displayed as recommendation information. In this case, theuser may select recommendation information, or may select a user'sdesired operation mode or time regardless of the recommendationinformation.

For example, if the time information related to the operation of thecomponent is inputted through the input unit, at least a power-savabledriving time of the component may be recommended based on the energyinformation and the time information, or the component may be operatedat a specific time so that the energy usage cost of the component can bereduced. In this instance, the recommended driving time or specific timefor power saving may be a time changed from the inputted time. Therecommended driving time may include an operation start time oroperation end time.

Alternatively, in a case where the driving method is inputted throughthe input unit, at least a power-savable driving time of the componentmay be recommended based on the energy information and the timeinformation, or the component may be operated at a specific time so thatthe energy usage cost of the component can be reduced. In this instance,the recommended driving time or specific time for power saving may be atime changed from the inputted time.

Alternatively, in a case where the energy usage cost or energy usageamount of the component is inputted through the input unit, the drivingmethod (including time or mode) of the component may be recommended soas to satisfy a lower value than that of the information inputted basedon the energy information and inputted information, or the component maybe driven in a specific driving method.

As still another example, if the component is turned on, an optimal timefrom a current time to a specific time may be recommended. For example,the optimal time may be a time when the energy cost is lowest for thecurrent time to the specific time.

As still another example, if an operation mode is selected through theinput unit 120, energy information related to the mode selected in thedisplay unit may be displayed. For example, in a case where a specificoperation mode is selected, electricity cost per unit power for eachtime zone, total electricity usage cost in the operation of acorresponding mode, total power consumption and the like may bedisplayed.

As still another example, the component 100 may be operated in a generalmode in which it is operated without reducing electricity usage cost orpower consumption, or may be operated in a power saving mode thatreduces the electricity usage cost or power consumption as compared withthe general mode. In a case where the general mode is selected, thecomponent 100 may be driven based on a condition inputted by the userregardless of energy information. In a case where the power saving modeis selected, the driving method, operation time and operation periodwhen the component 100 is operated in the general mode may be changed,so that the component 100 can be operated. That is, the operation methodof the component in the general mode is different from that of thecomponent in the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, energyinformation related to the information through the input unit oradditional information and energy information not inputted through theinput unit or additional information may be displayed.

The general or power saving mode may be manually set or changed by theuser through the input unit, or the component 100 may automatically setor change the general or power saving mode based on the energyinformation. Alternatively, the general mode or power saving mode may beselected by receiving a setup or change command from another component.Any one of the general mode and the power saving mode may be set as abasic mode in the component 100.

Alternatively, the component 100 may be operated in one of a pluralityof power saving modes. That is, the component 100 may be operated in anyone of the plurality of power saving modes so as to reduce energyconsumption or energy usage cost according to the kind of at least theenergy information.

The plurality of power saving modes may include a manual mode in whichinformation for driving the component 100 is manually selected, and anautomatic mode in which the information for driving the component 100 isautomatically selected.

The component may be operated in a time reduction mode in addition tothe general mode and the power saving mode. In the time reduction mode,the operation time of the component is shorter than that of thecomponent in the general mode. In this instance, the energy usage cost(or energy consumption) in the time reduction mode may be equal to orgreater than the energy usage cost (or energy consumption) in thegeneral mode. The energy usage cost (or energy consumption) in the timereduction mode may be changed by varying the operation method of thecomponent. The operation time of the component in the power saving modeis equal to or longer than that of the component in the general mode. Inthis instance, performances (e.g., washing performances, cookingperformances or the like) of the component in the general mode, the timereduction mode and the power saving mode may be identical or similar toone another.

As still another example, the plurality of power saving modes mayinclude a mode labeled corresponding to the degree of reduction ofelectricity cost or power consumption. For example, the powerconsumption or electricity usage cost when the component is operated ina first power saving mode may be smaller than that when the component isoperated in a second power saving mode. Alternatively, the plurality ofpower saving mode may include at least two modes that share a commoncontrol unit or method for the purpose of the power-saving driving ofthe component 100. The plurality of power saving modes may be mutuallychanged manually or automatically. Alternatively, the plurality of powersaving modes may control the component using different methods from oneanother. That is, the control methods of the component are differentfrom one another in the plurality of power saving modes.

The input unit 120 may include a button for selecting any one of thegeneral mode and the power saving mode. Alternatively, the input unit120 may include a button for selecting any one of the plurality of powersaving modes. Alternatively, the input unit 120 may include a button forselecting an operation limiting time or operable time of the component100. For example, in a case where the operation limiting time is set aszero o'clock a.m. to 6 o'clock a.m., the component may be operated at atime except the operation limiting time.

As still another example, the input unit 120 may include a smartreservation button. If the smart reservation button is selected, thecomponent 100 may be operated when it recognizes low-cost information.

As still another example, the component 100 may recognize estimatedpower information related to power to be consumed in the component 100or another component. In this instance, the estimated power informationmay be information on at least one of current, voltage, power, electricenergy, electricity cost.

The estimated power information corresponding to the operation mode ofthe component 100 or another component may be made as a table and thenstored in the memory unit of the component 100. For example, powerconsumption information corresponding to the selected course or mode maybe stored in the memory unit, and an estimated electricity usage costmay be determined by the multiplication of the power consumption andcost.

Additional information corresponding the operation mode of the component100 or another component, e.g., performance or efficiency information,may be stored in the memory unit of the component 100.

Therefore, if the operation mode of the component 100 or anothercomponent is recognized, the component 100 may recognize estimated powerinformation corresponding the recognized operation mode. The recognizedestimated power information may be displayed in the display unit 130 ofthe component 100 or in a display unit of another component. The actualpower consumption information or actual electricity usage costinformation in the operation of the component 100 or another componentmay be recognized. In a case where it is required to correct theestimated power information, the estimated power information may becorrected based on the actual power consumption information or actualelectricity usage cost information. The actually used electric energy oractually used cost when the component 100 is operated or after theoperation of the component 100 is ended may be displayed in the displayunit 130 of the component 100. Alternatively, in the operation of thecomponent 100, the estimated power information may be displayed, or theestimated power information and the actually used information may besimultaneously displayed. Alternatively, the optimal time or cost may bedetermined within a specific time range based on the estimated powerinformation stored in the memory unit. The optimal time may be anoperation start time of the component. The optimal cost may be an energyusage cost generated when the component is operated at a specific time.

In a case where the energy cost information is real-time information,the optimal cost may be determined based on the previous energy costinformation stored in the memory unit. Then, in a case where the energycost is changed, the optimal cost may be corrected by reflecting thechanged cost.

A plurality of conditions for configuring the operation mode may beselected by the user, and estimated power information or additionalinformation corresponding to an operation mode configured under aselected condition may be displayed in the display unit of thecomponent. An arbitrary operation mode (user preference mode) may bestored in the memory unit of the component, and the user preference modemay be selected using the input unit 120. For example, the user mayarbitrarily set the operation method of the component through the inputunit 120, and the estimated power information and additional informationin the operation of the component may be determined using the setoperation method. The user may determine whether or not the userdetermines the set operation method as the user preference mode byidentifying the estimated power information and the additionalinformation.

As still another example, a plurality of conditions for operating aplurality of components may be selected by the user, and estimated powerinformation or additional information corresponding to an operationcondition configured under a selected condition may be displayed in thedisplay unit of the component 100. An arbitrary operation mode (userpreference mode) May be stored in the memory unit of the component, andthe user preference mode may be selected using the input unit 120. Forexample, the user may arbitrarily set the operation method of arefrigerator, washing machine, water cleaner, cooking appliance, airconditioner or the like, and the estimated power information andadditional information in the operation of the component may bedetermined using the set operation method. The user may determinewhether or not the user determines the set operation method as the userpreference mode by identifying the estimated power information and theadditional information.

As still another example, at least time information related to thedriving of the component 100 is inputted through the input unit 130, thedriving method of the component for reducing a value related to energymay be determined based on the information related to energy and theinputted time information. Then, the determined driving method may bedisplayed in the display unit 130, or the component 100 may be operatedusing the determined driving method. The value related to energy is apower consumption or electricity usage cost when the component isdriven. The time information related to the driving of the component 100may be at least one of driving start time, driving end time and drivingtime range. The determined driving method may include a method in whichthe component is driven within a time range including the recognizedtime. Alternatively, the determined driving method may include a methodin which the component is driven at a time changed from the inputtedtime.

As still another example, if the driving method of the component 100 isinputted through the input unit 130, the driving method of the componentfor reducing a value related to energy may be determined based on theinformation related to energy and the inputted time information. Then,the determined driving method may be displayed in the display unit 130,or the component 100 may be operated using the determined drivingmethod. The value related to energy is a power consumption orelectricity usage cost when the component is driven. The determineddriving method may include a driving method changed from the inputteddriving method or a method in which the component is driven using theinputted driving method of an electric product at a specific time. Thespecific time may be a time zone different from a desired driving timezone of the component or a time zone after the current time.

As still another example, if reference electricity usage cost orreference power consumption is inputted through the input unit 120, thedriving method of the component may be determined using cost or electricenergy lower than the inputted reference cost or electric energy. Thedetermined driving method may be displayed in the display unit 130 ofthe component, or the component 100 may be driven using the determineddriving method. The determined driving method may include a method inwhich the component is operated at a time posterior to the current timeand a method in which the component is operated in a specific mode atthe current time.

As still another example, the component 100 may be operated based onenergy information recognized by the component 100 or information on apriority order in additional information. The priority order may be setor changed manually or automatically. The presence of consideration ofthe next priority order may be determined according to the informationstate of the best order.

For example, in a case where energy cost information as the energyinformation is a priority order and environment information as theadditional information is a posterity order, the component may beoperated based on the energy cost information. Alternatively, in a casewhere the energy information is a priority order and the additionalinformation is a posteriority order, the energy information includesinformation related to the reduction of energy consumption or energycost. Then, the component may be operated based on only the energyinformation. Alternatively, in a case where the additional informationis a priority order and the energy information is a posteriority order,the power or operation time of the component is necessarily increased asa determined result of the additional information. Then, the componentmay be operated in consideration of the energy information.

Alternatively, the component may include a memory unit in which theoperation method of the component is determined by reflectinginformation on a plural kinds of components. If the component recognizesthe information on the plural kinds of components, one of operationmethods stored in the memory unit is selected.

As still another example, the component 100 may further include a memoryunit in which the operation method obtained by reflecting the energyinformation and additional information is stored. Therefore, if theinformation on the plural kinds of components is recognized, one of theoperation methods stored in the memory unit may be selected, and thecomponent 100 may be operated using the selected operation method. Asstill another example, if high-cost information is recognized in theoperation of the component 100, the operation information of thecomponent 100 is stored in the memory unit, and the component 100 may beturned off or stopped. Then, if low-cost information is recognized, thecomponent 100 may be re-operated based on the operation informationstored in the memory unit.

As still another example, if the high-cost information is recognized inthe operation of the component 100, the operation of the component maybe changed based on information related to the previous operation of thecomponent. In this instance, the information related to the previousoperation of the component may be information related to powerconsumption of the component, energy usage cost information, average oftarget values (target temperature, air flow, humidity, dehumidificationor the like) set for a specific time, and resource received by thecomponent when the component is operated for a specific time. The powerconsumption or energy usage cost information may be average powerconsumption or average energy usage cost when the component is operatedonce. The resource may be water or ice. The information related to theresource may be information related to average discharge amount of theresource (water or ice discharge amount in a water cleaner orrefrigerator) for a specific time.

For example, if the high-cost information is recognized, the operationof the energy consumption component may be changed so that the energyconsumption or energy cost of the component is equal to or lower thanthe previous value of the information related to the operation of thecomponent.

As still another example, the previous operation information of thecomponent may be stored in the memory unit of the component. A specificorder in the previous driving method may be displayed in the displayunit of the component. For example, the energy consumption or energyusage cost when a specific course of a washing machine is operated undera first condition and a second condition (which is different from thefirst condition, and has a greater energy consumption or energy usagecost than that when the specific course is operated under the firstcondition) may be stored in the memory unit. The order of the first andsecond conditions may be determined and displayed in the display unit.The order may be determined by an order for each energy usage cost ornumber of times in use. The operation condition of a priority orposteriority order may be stored in the memory unit, and the drivingmethod of the stored order may be selected by the user.

As still another example, in a case where the energy consumption orenergy usage cost of the component according to the operation conditionof the component, inputted by the user, exceeds a limitation reference,the component may be forcibly controlled so that the energy consumptionor energy usage cost is less than the limitation reference, or a drivingmethod for allowing the energy consumption or energy usage cost to beless than the limitation reference may be displayed in the display unitof the component. In a case where the component is forcibly controlled,information for informing the user of the fact may be displayed in thedisplay unit of the component.

As still another example, if the high-cost information is recognizedwhile the component 100 is operated using the selected driving method,the driving method may be changed or maintained according to the drivingmethod of the component. For example, if the estimated power consumption(or estimated energy usage cost) when the component is operated usingthe selected driving method is greater than that when the component isoperated using a standard driving method, the selected driving methodmay be changed into the standard driving method. If the estimated powerconsumption (or estimated energy usage cost) when the component isoperated using the selected driving method is equal to or smaller thanthat when the component is operated using the standard driving method,the selected driving method may be maintained. The standard drivingmethod may be set when the component is manufactured, or may be manuallyset or changed by the user. Alternatively, the standard driving methodmay include a plurality of methods, and a specific method may beselected according to the kind of low-cost information.

As still another example, the component or one or more energyconsumption components that constitute the component may be operated toachieve a target value, and the target value may be changed according tothe kind of information related to energy. The target value may be anyone of temperature, humidity, operation speed, operation time, operationrate, power, electricity storage amount and energy usage cost.

The target value may be inputted by the user, or may be calculatedaccording to the load provided to the component or energy consumptioncomponent by the user. For example, if the high-cost information isrecognized in a refrigerator or air conditioner, a target temperaturemay be increased. On the other hand, if the high-cost information isrecognized in a cooking appliance, a target temperature may bedecreased. If the high-cost information is recognized in a washingmachine, the target rotation speed of a motor is decreased, or theoperation rate of a heater may be decreased. In this instance, thetarget value is changed so as to reduce the energy consumption or energyusage cost according to the operation of the component or energyconsumption component in a section in which the high-cost information isrecognized.

As still another example, the component or one or more energyconsumption components that constitute the component may be operated tomaintain the target value, or may be periodically turned on or turnedoff. In this instance, the on/off period of the component or energyconsumption component in the section of the recognized high-costinformation is more increased than that in the section of the recognizedlow-cost information. That is, the on/off period of the component orenergy consumption component may be changed according to the state ofenergy information. If the target value approaches a first referencevalue, the component or energy consumption component is turned on. Ifthe target value approaches a second reference value, the component orenergy consumption component is turned off. The target value ispositioned between the first and second reference values (a section thatbecomes a control reference). If the high-cost information isrecognized, the width between the first and second reference values (thewidth that becomes a control reference) may be increased.

As still another example, the input value (e.g., current value) inputtedto the component or one or more energy consumption components thatconstitute the component may be changed, and the number of times atwhich the input value exceeds a previously set reference value may occuras many as a predetermined number of times or more. If the high-costinformation is recognized, the number of times at which the input valueexceeds the reference value for a specific time may be decreased ascompared with the number of times at which the input value exceeds thereference value when the low-cost information is recognized. In a casewhere the input value exceeds the previously set reference value, theoff-state of the component may be changed into an on-state. The numberof times at which the input value exceeds the reference value may be thenumber of times at which the component or energy consumption componentis turned on.

As still another example, the specific function start condition of thecomponent or one or more energy consumption components (functionperforming components) that constitute the component may be changedaccording to the kind of information related to energy. That is, if thehigh-cost information is recognized, the operation start condition maybe eased or reinforced. The operation start condition is changed so thatthe energy consumption or energy usage cost of the component or functionperforming component is reduced before the specific function of thecomponent or function performing component is started. Alternatively,the operation start condition is changed so that in a case where thehigh-cost information is recognized, the energy consumption or energyusage cost is reduced in the recognized section of the high-costinformation according to the operation of the component or functionperforming component.

For example, if the high-cost information is recognized in a defrostingheater of a refrigerator, the operation start condition (defrostingfunction start condition) of the defrosting heater may be reinforced. Inthe case of a washing machine, the presence of valance of the laundry ina drum is determined. In a case where the laundry in the drum isbalanced, a motor for rotating the drum is operated for the purpose of adehydration course. In a case where the laundry in the drum is notbalanced, the motor is operated so that the laundry in the drum isbalanced. If the high-cost information is recognized, the balancedetermination condition (dehydration function start condition) is easedso that the dehydration course can be rapidly performed.

As still another example, a specific function of the component or one ormore energy consumption components (function performing components) maybe started when the number of trials for starting the function or theenergy usage cost or energy consumption in a trial for starting thefunction approaches a reference value.

As still another example, if the high-cost or low-cost information isrecognized in the operation of the component 100, the power consumption(or power) of the component 100 may be changed in a portion or entire ofthe section in which the high-cost or low-cost information isrecognized. In this instance, the power consumption (or power) of thecomponent 100 in the recognition of the low-cost information is smallerthan that of the component 100 in the recognition of the high-costinformation. For example, the power consumption (or power) of thecomponent 100 may be decreased or increased in the portion or entire ofthe section. Alternatively, the power consumption (or power) of thecomponent 100 may be gradually decreased or repeatedly decreased anddecreased in the portion or entire of the section.

As still another example, an energy reduction degree (degree of reducingpower consumption or electricity cost) may be differently selectedaccording to the kind or state of energy information or additionalinformation. For example, the energy reduction degree may be differentlyselected based on the length of a time section greater than the level orvalue of the energy information or additional information. The reductiondegree of electricity cost or power consumption when the value of theenergy information or additional information is greater than thereference information value is greater than that of electricity cost orpower consumption when the value of the energy information or additionalinformation is smaller than the reference information value. Thereference information value may be set as a plurality of referenceinformation values. at least one of the plurality of referenceinformation values may be a value for determining an on-peat timesection. Specifically, the length of the on-peak time section may bedivided into top, middle and bottom, for example. The reduction degreewhen the length of the on-peak time section is top is greater than thatwhen the length of the on-peak time section is middle or bottom.Alternatively, in a case where the electricity cost is divided into aplurality of levels, the reduction degree when the electricity cost isexpensive is greater than that when the electricity cost is cheap.

As still another example, the reduction method for reducing energy maybe differently selected according to the kind or state of the energyinformation or additional information. For example, in a case where thecomponent is a refrigerator, a compressor may be turned off when thelength of the on-peak time section is within a first reference value(first method), and the cooling force of the compressor may be changedwhen the length of the on-peak time section is between the firstreference value and a second reference value greater than the firstreference value (second method). In a case where the length of theon-peak time section is more than a third reference value greater thanthe second reference value, the target temperature of a storage chambermay be increased (third method). Alternatively, the reduction method maybe changed in the section in which the high-cost information isrecognized. If a predetermined time elapses while the first method isperformed in the recognition of the high-cost information, any one ofthe second and third methods may be performed, or the second and thirdmethods may be sequentially performed.

As still another example, in a case where the component includes aplurality of energy consumption components, the energy consumptioncomponents to be controlled may be differently selected according to thekind or state of the energy information or additional information. Forexample, the energy consumption components to be controlled may bedifferently selected according to the energy cost value or energy costlevel. The reference information may include a first referenceinformation and a second reference information greater than the firstreference information. Alternatively, the reference information valuemay include a single value. For example, if the value of the energyinformation or additional information is greater than the secondreference information value, the power of a first energy consumptioncomponent (function performing component that consumes energy) may becontrolled (operation limitation). If the value of the energyinformation or additional information is between the first and secondreference information values, the power of a second energy consumptioncomponent (function performing component that consumes energy) may becontrolled (operation limitation). If the value of the energyinformation or additional value is smaller than the first referenceinformation value, electricity may be stored in an energy storagecomponent (the operation of a function performing component that storesenergy may be started).

That is, any one of a plurality of control objects or methods may beselected according to the kind or state of the energy information oradditional information.

As still another example, if the high-cost information is recognized inthe operation of the component 100, the sum of powers of a plurality ofenergy consumption components that constitute the component 100 andperform the same function may be decreased. The plurality of energyconsumption components may be the same kind or different kinds from oneanother. In a case where the high-cost information is recognized, onlysome energy consumption components may be turned off, or the power ofthe some energy consumption components may be decreased. Alternatively,in a case where the high-cost information is recognized, the power ofeach of the power consumption components may be decreased while theplurality of power consumption components maintain an on-state.Alternatively, in a case where the high-cost is recognized, the power ofthe plurality of energy consumption components may be decreased with thesame power amount or power reduction rate. Alternatively, in a casewhere the high-cost information is recognized, the power of theplurality of energy consumption components may be decreased with adifferent power amount or power reduction rate. Alternatively, in a casewhere the high-cost information is recognized, the plurality of energyconsumption components may be alternately turned on and turned off.

As still another example, if the high-cost information is recognized inthe operation of the component 100, among a plurality of energyconsumption components that constitute the component 100, the functionperformance of one or more energy consumption components may be limited,and the function of another one or more energy consumption componentsmay be performed. The power consumption of the energy consumptioncomponents of which function is limited is greater than that of theenergy consumption components of which function is performed. Forexample, in a case where the high-cost information is recognized while acomponent with relatively high power is operated, energy consumptioncomponents with high power may be turned off, and energy consumptioncomponents with low power may be turned on.

As still another example, if the high-cost information is recognized inthe operation of the component 100, the operation of energy consumptioncomponents that satisfy a limitation condition may be limited among aplurality of energy consumption components that constitute thecomponent. In this instance, the limitation condition may be powerconsumption, energy used cost or limitation order. That is, among theplurality of energy consumption components, the operation of energyconsumption components of which power consumption or energy use costexceeds a reference value may be limited. Alternatively, the limitationcondition may be power consumption that is relatively large among theplurality of energy consumption components.

As still another example, in a case where the operation mode of thecomponent 100 includes a plurality of processes, at least one of theplurality of processes may be limited in the section in which thehigh-cost information is recognized. The limitation means that theprocess is stopped or the power consumption in the performance of theprocess is decreased. For example, in a case where the component is awashing machine, the operation mode may be a standard course, quiltcourse, wool course or the like. The plurality of processes may includeat least one of soaking, washing, rinsing, dehydrating and dryingprocesses. The limited process may be automatically set, or may bemanually set or changed.

As still another example, if the high-cost information is recognized inthe operation of the component 100, two or more of a plurality offactors related to the operation of one or more energy components(function performing components) that constitute the component may bechanged. The factor may include operation speed, operation time, power,operation rate and the like. If the value related to any one of two ormore factors is decreased, the value of another factor may be increased.As an example, when an energy consumption component is a motor, therotation speed of the motor may decrease, and a rotation time mayincrease. When the energy consumption component is a heater, the outputof the heater may decrease, and an operation time may increase. That is,when high-cost information is recognized, two or more factors associatedwith the operations of one or more energy consumption components mayvary.

Alternatively, when the energy consumption component is a motor, theoperation pattern of the motor may vary. Specifically, when the energyconsumption component is a motor that rotates a drum included in awashing machine or a washer, the motor may rotate in one direction oranother direction. In the case of a washing machine or a washer, themotor is controlled for laundry to be lifted and then dropped. A drumdriving motion may be changed according to the rotation speed of themotor and a rotation angle in a specific direction. The drum drivingmotion may be divided into a general driving motion and one or morespecial motions (which have a rotation speed faster than the generalmotion or a large rotation angle in one-time rotation). Furthermore, thepower consumption amount of the motor that is driven in the specialmotion is greater than the power consumption amount of the motor that isdriven in the general motion. In this example, when high-costinformation is reduced while the motor is being driven in the specialmotion, the washing machine or the washer may perform the generalmotion. When the high-cost information is recognized while the generalmotion is being performed, the washing machine or the washer performs aspecific motion to be originally performed at a time when low-costinformation is recognized.

As another example, the component 100 may operate for satisfying areserved time, and when the low-cost information is recognized beforethe reserved time is satisfied, the component 100 may start an operationat any one time of a section in which the low-cost information isrecognized. In this case, since the component 100 starts an operationprior to the reserved time, it may perform a service function forpreventing a function from being declined after the operation of thecomponent 100 is completed. The reserved time may be one of drivingstart time, driving end time and driving time sections. As an example,when the component 100 is a washing machine or a washer, the operationof the washing machine or washer is completed, and thereafter thecomponent 100 may rotate the motor, which rotates a drum accommodatinglaundry, at certain intervals for preventing the wrinkle of the laundry.As another example, the component 100 is a cooking appliance, theoperation of the cooking appliance is completed, and thereafter a heatermay operate at certain intervals or continuously operate at minimumoutput for preventing a cooked item from cooling.

As another example, the operation may be controlled based on thespecific order of a plurality of components which may be operated withrespect to energy. The specific order may be any one of the order ofcomponents which must be firstly operated, the order of operation start,and the order of energy consumption amount or energy usage cost. Forexample, the bigger the current energy consumption amount, the currentenergy usage cost, the energy consumption amount for a predeterminedtime, and the energy usage cost for a predetermined time are, it may beset at the latter order. Alternatively, the operation order may bemanually selected by a user, and a plurality of the same or otherspecies components may be set at the same order.

In a case where high-cost information is recognized during the operationof a plurality of components, the operation of the component in the lastorder may be limited. Alternatively, the operation of a plurality ofcomponents in the latter orders (components in a plurality of orders)may be limited. And, if low-cost information is recognized in the statewhere the operation of components is limited, the components with theiroperations limited may be again operated. The reference for limitationon operation may be any one of the number of operable components andavailable total energy consumption amount or total energy usage cost. Atthis time, the limitation on operation of components may be immediatelyperformed. Alternatively, in a case where the operation of a componentconsists of a number of processes, the operation of the component may belimited after one process is completed. Alternatively, the operation ofthe component may be limited after high-cost information is recognizedand a predetermined time is passed. Alternatively, after a componentwhose operation is to be limited has consumed a predetermined amount ofenergy or the energy usage cost reaches a certain level, the operationof the component may be limited. Information notifying that theoperation is limited may be displayed in the display unit of a componentwith its operation limited. Alternatively, information notifying thatthe operation is limited may be displayed in the display unit of othercomponent which may control the component.

As another example, only when the time for recognition of high-costinformation (e.g., on-peak time) exceeds a reference time, the controlmay be performed for reducing the energy which the component has used.Alternatively, high-cost information is recognized, and then the controlis immediately performed for reducing energy, and when the time forperforming the control has passed a predetermined time, whether thehigh-cost information may be recognized for maintenance or change of thecurrent state may be again determined. This is intended to prevent themethod of operating the component from being often changed.

As another example, the component 100 may be supplied with energy form aplurality of energy generation units. Specifically, the plurality ofenergy generation units may be a utility network different from eachother. In this case, the ratio of energy transmitted from a plurality ofenergy generation units according to energy information may be changed.That is, in a case where the energy cost of a first energy generationunit is lower than that of a second energy generation unit, more energyin the first energy generation unit may be supplied to the component100. In this case, the amount of energy supplied form each energygeneration unit or the energy ratio may be displayed in the display unit130 of the component 100. Alternatively, one of a plurality of energygeneration units may constitute a utility network, and the other mayconstitute a home area network. Even in this case, the energy ratiotransmitted from a plurality of energy generation units in accordancewith energy information may be changed.

As another example, the component may include a plurality of functionperforming components in which the energy is consumed to generateenergy. The energy generated in the plurality of function performingcomponents may be supplied to the outside. Here, energy supply ratios inthe plurality of function performing components may be varied.Alternatively, an order of priority of the energy supply of theplurality of function performing components may be determined.

As another example, the component 100 (a first component) maycommunicate with another component (a second component), and thecommunication between the two components may be disconnected by one ofthe components. For example, a case where the communication may bedisconnected by the component 100 will be described. The component 100may manually disconnect or release the communication through an inputunit 120. Alternatively, a button for disconnecting or releasingcommunication may be configured in a communicator for communication ofthe component 100. Here, when an input unit 120 of the component 100 ora button for a communicator 140 is selected, the conditions fordisconnecting communication are satisfied.

In another example, communication between the component 100 and anothercomponent may meet communication stop conditions and be automaticallystopped. A component that recognizes that communication stop conditionsare met transmits a certain message to check the communication state toanother component, and when the other component that receives certaininformation transmits an acknowledging message, communication may bestopped. When the communication stop conditions are met, and thetransceivers of one or more components are in abnormal states, when asignal of the transceiver of a certain component is recognized asabnormal, and when that certain component is unable to recognize asignal for a certain duration, the certain component may be deemed tohave operated based on the received information, and the certaincomponent may be seen as one that is in an abnormal state.

In another example, when an abnormal state is recognized (determined)during the operation of the component 100, the component 100 enters asafety mode. The abnormal state is when a current exceeding a referencevalue is applied to the component, or when a current exceeding areference value is applied to an energy management system configuringthe component. The abnormal state may also be one in which the currentpower consumption of the component 100, while the component is in acertain mode or performing a certain function, exceeds a certainthreshold value difference with the power consumption when the componentwas previously in the same mode or performing the same function.Further, the abnormal state may be when the time for performing acertain function by the certain component exceeds a time limit. Theabnormal state may also be when a certain mode or function of thecertain component cannot be started within a certain time. In the safetymode, the power applied to the component or the power applied to theenergy management system configuring the component may be disconnected.Also, in the safety mode, power consumption of the component may berestricted. For example, the input unit 120 of the component may bedeactivated. Also, when an abnormal state is recognized, abnormal stateinformation may be displayed on the display unit 130 of the component100, and the abnormal state information may be transmitted to anothercomponent.

In another example, the component 100 may have a plurality ofcompartments, and the plurality of compartments may be cooled or heated.Also, according to the type or state of the energy information that isrecognized, the cooled or heated states of the plurality of compartmentsmay be varied. For example, when high cost information is recognized,one or more compartments of the plurality of compartments may not becooled or heated. Also, levels of priority of the plurality ofcompartments may be determined, and the compartments may be cooled orheated in order of highest to least priority. Here, the highest priorityfor the plurality of compartments may be designated by a user orautomatically. In another example, when high cost information isrecognized, cold air or heat from one compartment may be routed toanother compartment, from among the plurality of compartments. Forexample, when high cost information is recognized, heat from a cookingcompartment may be supplied to a warming compartment to keep food warm.

For another example, a communication device for communication betweenthe component and the other component may be fixed to the component orseparated from the component. The communication device may be disposedon a control part or control panel for controlling the component (e.g.,a washing machine, a dryer, a dish washer, a cooker, an air-conditioner,a refrigerator, etc.). For another example, the communication device maybe disposed on a hinge part of a door (e.g., a door of the refrigerator)of the component.

For another example, the component may receive information for updatingor changing program from the other component. Here, the component maywiredly or wirelessly receive the information from the other component.

For another example, although not shown, the network system may includean accessory component or a consumable handling component. The accessorycomponent may be an energy network-only component, which performs anadditional function for the energy network. For example, the accessorycomponent may be an energy network-only weather reception antenna.

The consumable handling component may be a component for storing,supplying, and transferring a consumable and confirms or recognizesinformation about the consumable. For example, the consumable may be amaterial or product, which is used or handled during the operation ofthe component. Also, the consumable handling component may be managed inthe energy network, e.g., the energy management component. For example,the consumable may be a washing cloth of a washing machine, a cookingitem of a cooking apparatus, or a detergent for cleaning the washingcloth in the washing machine, or a fiber conditioner, or seasoning forcooking item.

As another example, in the case where the diagnosis of the component isneeded, the component may request the diagnosis to the other component.If the diagnosis of the component is required, the component may be inan abnormal state. The component may include a service button forrequesting the diagnosis. Alternatively, when the abnormality of thecomponent is detected, the component may automatically request thediagnosis to the other component. The component may receive resultsaccording to the diagnosis of the other component, and display thediagnosis results received.

FIG. 13 is view showing a state where a connection line of a componentthat constitutes the network system of the present disclosure isconnected to a power control apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 13, a connection line 160 of a component without atransceiver is connected to a power control apparatus 200, and is madeto be able to participate in a network. That is, the power controlapparatus 200 functions as a communicating member to enablecommunication between the power control apparatus 200 and twocomponents.

A component may be electrically connected to the power control apparatus200, and the power control apparatus 200 may be connected to a socket300.

The power control apparatus 200 may include at least one component thatconfigures a utility network 10 or home network 20, such as acommunicator 210 that communicates with an energy management component24 and an energy metering component 25, a switch 220 that is selectivelyturned ON/OFF according to information (energy information, for example)received through the communicator 210, a switch driver 230 for drivingthe switch 220, and a controller 240 for controlling the switch driver230. Also, the component connected to the power control apparatus andthe power control apparatus may perform, for example, power linecommunication.

Although it is illustrated in FIG. 13 that a single component isconnected to the power control apparatus 200, a plurality of componentsmay be connected to the power control apparatus 200. In this case, thepower control apparatus 200 may include a plurality of switch drivingunits and a plurality of switches, and the plurality of switches may beindependently turned on/off.

If the control unit 240 recognizes the above-described high-costinformation, the control unit 240 controls the switch driving unit 230for the switch 220 to be turned off. If the switch 220 is turned off,since electric power is not supplied to a connected component, thecomponent is not operated. On the contrary, if the control unit 240recognizes the low-cost information, the control unit 240 controls theswitch driving unit 230 for the switch 220 to be turned on. Also, in thecase that the connected component is being unused or is turned off, theswitch 220 may be turned off. As another example, if a certain time ispassed after the high-cost information is recognized and the switch 220is turned off, the switch 220 may be turned on. Or, if a certain time ispassed after the switch 220 is turned on, the switch 220 may be turnedoff. In this case, the power control apparatus 200 may be provided witha timer 260 for measuring a lapse of time.

Also, the power control apparatus 200 may include a memory unit 250 forstoring information of the connected component or energy information oradditional information received from a non-connected component. And, theinformation stored in the memory unit 250 may be transmitted to theconnected component or the non-connected component.

As another example, the power control apparatus 200 may be provided witha power controller capable of controlling power instead of the switch220. The power controller may be a current controller or a voltagecontroller.

As another example, the power control apparatus 200 may be provided tothe component. That is, a connection line of the component may beconnected to the power control apparatus 200 and the connection line maybe connected to the socket.

As another example, the power control apparatus 200 may be provided witha sensing unit for sensing power consumed by the connected component orfor sensing power supplied to the connected component. And, the switch220 may be turned off in the case that the power amount sensed by thesensing unit exceeds a reference amount.

FIG. 14 specifically illustrates a network system according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the network system includes: a metering device(smart meter) 25 which can measure power supplied to a residentialcustomer and the electricity charge of the power in real time; and anenergy management system (EMS) 24 connected to the metering device(smart meter) 25 and a plurality of electric products such as homeappliances for controlling the electric products.

The EMS 24 and the metering device (smart meter) 25 communicates with anoperator 5 of the power management program, such as an electric powercompany.

The EMS 24 may be provided in the form of a terminal, which includes ascreen 241 to display the current power consumption state and externalenvironments (temperature, humidity) and an input unit 32 to receiveuser's manipulations.

The EMS 24 and the metering device (smart meter) 25 are selectively orsimultaneously connected to the electric products such as a refrigerator261, a washing or drying machine 262, an air conditioner 263, a TV 265,and a cooking device 264 through an in-house network for communication.

Communication modems 300 (301 to 305) are detachably provided to theelectric products for wireless communication with the EMS 24 and themetering device (smart meter) 25.

The communication modems 300 may be coupled to the outsides of theelectric products for each attachment and detachment.

FIG. 15 is a control block diagram illustrating the network system 10according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, the power management program operator 5 may have ageneral power generation plant (e.g., thermal power, nuclear power, andwater power generation plants) or a power generation plant usingrenewable energy sources (e.g., solar light, wind power, and geothermalpower). However, the power management program operator 5 is not limitedthereto.

In addition, the network system may include an independent power plant21 such as a solar power generation plant of a residential customer, andfuel cells of a fuel cell vehicle or a residential customer.

Such power supply sources and the power management program operator 5are connected to the metering device (smart meter) 25 and the EMS 24.

In addition, the metering device (smart meter) 25 and the EMS 24 cancommunicate with the electric products 5 through the communicationmodems 300.

The EMS 24 may include a control unit 245, an input unit 258, acommunication unit 254, and a display unit 259, and the metering device(smart meter) 25 may include a control unit 255, an input unit 258, acommunication unit 254, and a display unit 259.

The communication units 254 and 255 communicate with the communicationmodems 301 to 304 of the electric products such as the refrigerator 261,the washing or drying machine 262, the air conditioner 263, and thecooking device 264 for transmitting and receiving power information andoperation information.

The EMS 24 or the metering device (smart meter) 25 may controloperations of the electric products. The EMS 24 or the metering device(smart meter) 25 provides an electricity charge saving mode for savingelectricity charges of the electric products, and an energy-savingoperation mode for reducing power consumption.

The electricity charge saving mode is performed based on electricityrates varying according to operation times of the electric products.

The EMS 24 or the metering device (smart meter) 25 controls the electricproducts in consideration of a peak time period the electricity rate ofwhich is higher than a reference value, or in consideration of an upperlimit of power consumption or electricity charge.

The electric products may be operated in the electricity charge savingmode in consideration of a peak time period or an upper limit of powerconsumption by joining the power management program provided by theelectric power company.

If electric power is managed by joining a power management program,electricity charge may be saved, and moreover other effects may beattained such as getting a benefit of electricity charge reducingpolicies.

The communication modems 301 to 304 may include control units, displayunits, communication units, and input units. The communication modems301 to 304 may display current communication states and receive user'sinputs.

The communication modems 301 to 304 are connected to the EMS 24 or themetering device (smart meter) 25 for communication, so that thecommunication modems 301 to 304 can receive an instruction of the powermanagement program from the EMS 24 or the metering device (smart meter)25 and deliver the instruction to the electric products. Thus, theelectric products can be controlled according to the power managementprogram.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an electric product provided with acommunication modem according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, the communication modem 300 is not built in theelectric product 266 but fixed to a port or slot of the electric product266. Therefore, a user can easily attach the communication modem 300 tothe electric product 266 and detach the communication modem 300 from theelectric product 266. Therefore, for example, when the user bought a newelectric product 266, the user can easily connect the new electricproduct 266 to the power management network for executing the powermanagement program, without having to call a service engineer.

Alternatively, the electric product 266 may be fixed to the inside ofthe electric product 266.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a method of determining acommunication state of a communication modem provided at an electricproduct according to an embodiment; FIG. 17 is a flowchart forexplaining a method of executing a power management program when thecommunication modem operates normally according to an embodiment; andFIG. 18 is a view illustrating an EMS displaying results obtained by acontrolling method according to an embodiment.

First, referring to FIG. 16, a detachable communication modem isattached to an electric product (S101). Then, it is started to determinewhether the communication modem is properly attached or thecommunication modem is operable for communication (S102).

An EMS, a metering device (smart meter), or the electric product sends acheck signal to the communication modem (S103). Here, the EMS, themetering device (smart meter), and the electric product are componentsfor communicating with the communication modem.

Next, it is determined whether the communication modem outputs aresponse signal (S104). If it is determined that there is no responsesignal, it is determined whether the sent number (m) of the check signalis greater than a predetermined reference number (n) (S105).

Since it is not reliable to determine the communication state of thecommunication modem after sending a check signal once, the check signalis sent a plurality of times to reliably determine the communicationstate of the communication modem. If the communication modem does notresponse although the check signal is sent a plurality of times, it isdetermined that the communication modem is not operable forcommunication, and follow-up measures are taken.

In the state where there is no response signal, if the sent number (m)of the check signal is not greater than the reference number (n), themethod goes to operation S106 and operation S103 to send the checksignal again.

On the other hand, in the state where there is no response signal, if itis determined that the sent number (m) of the check signal is greaterthan the reference number (n), it is determined that the communicationmodem is not operable for communication (S107).

To rapidly inform a user of the non-operable state of the communicationmodem of the electric product, at least one of the EMS, the meteringdevice (smart meter), and the electric product outputs a notificationexpression (S108).

The non-operable state may be reported by a sound expression such as analarming sound as well as a visual expression.

If the non-operable state continues, an alarming message may bedisplayed to warn the user of the possibility of regarding it aswithdrawal from a power management program provided by an electric powercompany and the resulting disadvantages (S109).

In response to the alarming message, the user may reinstall thecommunication modem properly or replace the communication modem with anon-defective communication modem.

Referring to FIG. 17, if there is a response signal from thecommunication modem, it is determined that the communication modem isproperly attached to the electric product and operable for communication(S101).

The communication modem may communicate with the EMS or the meteringdevice (smart meter) (S111) and a service provider of the powermanagement program (S112).

Then, the electric product joins the power management program, and theelectric product is controlled according to the power management program(S113).

According to the power management program, in a peak time period, powerconsumption of the electric product may be reduced or the electricproduct may be stopped to reduce the electricity cost, or if theelectric product consumes more power than a preset upper limit of powerconsumption, the electric product may be stopped or the user mayinformed of it.

After the electric product starts to be controlled, it is determinedwhether the current time is in a peak time period (S114). If the currenttime is in a peak time period, the electric product is operated in anenergy-saving operation mode (S115).

The energy-saving operation mode may include turning-off the electricproduct, making the electric product wait in an off-state for apredetermined time (e.g., for the peak time period), and operating theelectric product with less power.

Then, it is determined whether the peak time period is ended (S116). Ifthe peak time period is ended, the electric product is operated in anoriginally set mode (for example, turning on, operation resuming, oroperation with normal power) (S117).

As well as the above-described operations of the electric product beingcontrolled by the EMS or the metering device (smart meter) according tothe power management program, such operations of the electric productmay be controlled by the communication modem if the communication modemhas such power control functions (a power consumption reducing functionin a peak time period and a power control function according to a setupper limit).

By the above-described controlling methods, as shown in FIG. 18, the EMS24 may display communication state and real-time energy information ofelectric products, and real-time power consumption amounts of theelectric products. Then, a user may easily recognize such information.

Such information may also be displayed on the metering device (smartmeter).

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a power management networkbinder 400 and an electric product to be registered according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19, non-registered electric products may be registeredto the network system by the power management network binder(hereinafter, referred to as binder) 400. The binder 400 plays a role inallocating a home code and a product code (identification (ID) relatedto the electric product) to the non-registered electric product bycommunicating the communication model mounted to the non-registeredelectric product.

In a state where the communication modem 300 is attached to thenon-registered electric product 266, the binder 400 is moved close tothe communication modem 300, and the input unit 400 d having a buttonshape is pressed. Then, the non-registered electric product 266 may beregistered through the above-described procedures.

At this time, a home code, a product code, and a unique ID code may bedisplayed on the display unit 400 b for a user to recognize them easily.

The registration process including home code allocation is carried outbetween the binder 400 and the communication modem 300 by a shortdistance communication method allowing communication only within a shortdistance. Thus, the registration process does not affect the otherelectric products.

In the current embodiment, the binder 400 is illustrated as anindependent part. However, the binder 400 may be a part of themanagement component or disposed in the management component.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of registering anelectric product to a power management network according to a firstembodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, a communication modem is attached toan electric product (S201). A user moves a binder close to thecommunication modem of the electric product to be registered (S202). Thecommunication modem of the electric product to be registered starts tocommunicate with the binder (S203).

A registration instruction is input by manipulating an input unit of thebinder (S204).

The binder determines whether a home code of another power managementnetwork is in the communication modem and the electric product to beregistered (S205). If there is another home code, the other home code isdeleted by an instruction of the binder 400 (S206).

Then, the binder 400 communicates with the communication modem of theelectric product to allocate a new home code (S207). If thecommunication modem and the electric product are new products and thusanother home code is not in the communication modem and the electricproduct, the home code deleting operation S406 may be omitted and thenew home code may be allocated.

Next, it is determined whether the same kind of electric product as thenewly registered electric product is included in registered products ofthe power management network (S208).

Different controlling methods are used for different kinds of electricproducts in the power management network. Thus, if there are a pluralityof electric products of the same kind, it is necessary to distinguishthem to avoid confusion in executing a control instruction.

There may be controlling methods for a cooking operation and adefrosting operation of a cooking device, a rapid cooling operation anda defrosting operation of a refrigerator, and a dehumidificationoperation, a cooling operation, and a heating operation of an airconditioner. That is, different controlling methods may be used fordifferent electric products, and the same controlling method may be usedfor the same kinds of electric products. Thus, it is necessary todistinguish the electric products.

If it is determined that the same kind of electric product does notexist, the binder generates a product code corresponding to the kind ofthe electric product and allocates the product code to the electricproduct for executing a controlling method according to the kind of theelectric product (S210).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the same kind of electricproduct exists, a unique ID code different from the product code of thesame kind of electric product is generated and allocated to the electricproduct (S209).

The electric product is registered in the power management network in astate where the electric product can be distinguished from the otherelectric products registered in the power management network (S211).

In this way, the electric product is registered in an EMS or a meteringdevice (S212). The EMS or the metering device informs an operator of apower management program that the electric product is newly registered,and provides the operator with power information and operationinformation of the electric product, so that the electric product can beapplied for registration in the power management program for reducingelectricity charge and power consumption (S213).

In this way, by informing the operator of the power management programof information about the newly registered electric product, the newlyregistered electric product can be controlled according to the powermanagement. program.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of registering anelectric product to a power management network according to anotherembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21, a communication modem is attached to an electricproduct to be first registered (S301). A reset button of an input unitof the electric product, the communication modem, or a power managementnetwork binder is manipulated to reset the communication modem (S302).After the reset button is pressed, it is determined whether thecommunication modem attached to the electric product is a new one or aone used for another electric product or power management network(S303).

If it is determined that the communication modem is a new one, it is notnecessary to delete information from the communication modem, and thusinformation about the electric product connected to the communicationmodem is transmitted to and stored in the communication modem (S304).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication modem is aused one, information stored in the communication modem is first deleted(S305).

That is, information such as operation and power information of theformer electric product connected to the communication modem is deleted.In addition, information about the former power management network orpower management program is deleted.

At this time, if it is determined that the electric product isregistered in the former power management program, a signal is generatedfor making the electric product withdraw from the former powermanagement program (S306).

The withdrawal signal is transmitted to an operator of the former powermanagement program through an EMS or a metering device.

After deleting the existing information and applying for withdrawal fromthe former power management program, the reset button is manipulatedagain (S307).

Then, information about the electric product which is currentlyconnected to the communication modem is transmitted to the communicationmodem and stored in the communication modem (S308).

Thereafter, the communication modem communicates with an EMS or ametering device of the power management network for receiving an ID usedto control the electric product (S309).

The ID includes a home code indicating the power management network, anda product code related to the kind of the electric product. If there isthe same kind of electric product, the ID includes a unique ID numberfor distinguishing the electric product from the same kind of electricproduct. After that, the electric product is registered in the powermanagement network (S310).

Next, it is determined whether the newly registered electric product towhich the communication modem is attached is applied by a user forregistration in a power management program operated by an operator suchas an electric power company (S311).

The power management program is a program prepared to control anelectric product for adjusting electricity charge or power consumption.If there is a registration request from the power management network,the power management program informs the operator of the powermanagement program of information about the newly registered electricproduct and the registration request of the electric product (S312).

In this way, the electric product is newly registered in the powermanagement network, and the electric product can be controlled accordingto the power management program.

FIGS. 22 to 24 are flowcharts illustrating a method of determining acommunication state of the communication mode of the electric productdisposed in the power management network, a process of controlling theelectric product when communicated is failed, and a process ofperforming a power program when the communication state is normal.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, when the communication modem is mounted ona specific modem in operation S401, it is checked whether the mountingor communication of the communication modem is normal in operation S402.In operation S403, a check signal is transmitted from the EMS, themetering device, or a corresponding electric product to thecommunication modem.

Thereafter, in operation S404, it is determined whether a responsesignal occurs from the communication modem in response to thetransmitted check signal. When the response signal occurs, it isdetermined whether a transmission number m of the check signal exceeds apredetermined reference number n in operation S405.

When the transmission number m of the check signal does not exceed apredetermined reference number n in a state where the response signaldoes not occur, the check signal is transmitted one times in operationsS406 and S403. When the transmission number m of the check signalexceeds a predetermined reference number n in a state where the responsesignal occurs, it is determined that the communication modem is in acommunication failure state in operation S407.

In operation S108, the communication failure is displayed on the EMS,the metering device, the corresponding electric product, or thecommunication modem to allow a user to quickly and easily recognize thecommunication failure of the communication modem connected to a specificelectric product. Here, the communication failure may be visiblydisplayed as well as informed as sound such as alarm.

When the communication modem is in the communication failure state, itis limited that an external unit (component) of the electric productreceives information related to an operation of the electric product.However, when the electric product is normally operated, powerconsumption information and operation information for each time may bestored in a database form in a control unit or a data storage unit ofthe corresponding electric product.

When the communication modem is in the communication failure state, aprocess for confirming the stored information of the electric product isperformed. In detail, in operation S501, it is determined whether a userinput for operating the corresponding electric product is necessary.

For example, in case of electric products (intermittent products) suchas a washing machine, dryer, or cooker, generally, a user puts laundryor an object to be cooked into a corresponding electric product tooperate the electric product. However, in case of a refrigerator(constant operating product), the electric product is continuouslyoperated without a user separate input.

In case where the corresponding electric product such as the washingmachine or the dryer is included in a product group in which an inputoperation should be essentially performed before it is operated, it isdetermined whether a user input occurs in operation S502.

When the user input for operating occurs, the corresponding electricproduct is operated based on power and operation information for eachtime stored in the corresponding electric product, a metering device, oran energy management device. Here, in operation S504, the operation ofthe electric product may be substantially equal or similar to that of apower management program provided by a power management program operatorto reduce power consumption and charge.

Corresponding to the power management program, a process in which thecorresponding electric product is operated itself based on theabove-described information and then operation information according tothe information is stored in the electric product is performed. That is,in operation S505, the operation information of the electric product isupdated and stored in a storage device (e.g., the electric product, theenergy management device, or the metering device).

Thereafter, when the communication modem of the electric product isnormally operated, the stored operation information may be transmittedinto the EMS or the metering device. Also, the EMS or the meteringdevice may provide the received operation information into the powermanagement program operator or an electric product manufacturer.

According to the above-described method, the user may confirm a fact inwhich the power management program is executed even though thecommunication is failed. Thus, it may give aid to improve the powermanagement program.

In case of the corresponding electric product such as the refrigeratorin which the user input is not required, it is determined whether ajudgment reference time (e.g., current time) is within a time at whichthe corresponding electric product is typically operated according tothe stored operation information for each time in operation S503.

After the determined result, if the current time is within the typicaloperation time, a process (power management program performance) inwhich the electric product is operated based on the power or operationinformation for each time, which is stored in the corresponding electricproduct may be performed in operation S504. Also, in operation S505, theoperation information of the electric product, which is operated in thecommunication failure state of the communication modem is stored in theelectric product (store the power management program performanceprocess/result)

As shown in FIG. 23, when the response signal occurs from thecommunication modem mounted in the electric product, it is recognizedthat the communication modem is properly mounted on the electric productand it is determined that the communication modem is in a communicablestate in operation S601.

The communication modem may communicate with the EMS or the meteringdevice in operation S602 and communicate with a service provider(operator) of the power management program in operation S603. Also, inoperation S604, the recognized communication modem and the electricproduct may be joined to the power management program, and the electricproduct may be controlled by the power management program.

A process for reducing the electricity charge based on the recognitionof the peak time period will be described below. When the current timeis within the peak time period in operation S605, the electric productis switched from an original set state to an energy-saving operationstate. Then, in operation S606, the energy-saving operation isperformed. The energy-saving operation may be performed through aprocess in which the electric product is turned off, the operation ofthe electric product is temporarily delayed, or the power consumption ofthe electric product is reduced.

In operation S607, it is determined whether the peak time period isended. When the peak time period is ended, the electric product returnsto the operation of the original set state (e.g., a power-on operation,a re-operation, an original state operation of the power consumption) inoperation S608.

FIGS. 25 to 27 are flowcharts illustrating a control process related tocommunication failure of a communication modem according to anotherembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 25, when a communication modem is mounted on aspecific modem in operation S701, it is checked whether the mounting orcommunication of the communication modem is normal in operation S702. Inoperation S703, a check signal is transmitted from an EMS, a meteringdevice, or a corresponding electric product to the communication modem.Thereafter, in operation S704, it is determined whether a responsesignal occurs from the communication modem in response to thetransmitted check signal. When the response signal occurs, it isdetermined whether a transmission number m of the check signal exceeds apredetermined reference number n in operation S705.

When the transmission number m of the check signal does not exceed apredetermined reference number n in a state where the response signaldoes not occur, the check signal is transmitted one times in operationsS706 and S703. When the transmission number m of the check signalexceeds a predetermined reference number n in a state where the responsesignal occurs, it is determined that the communication modem is in acommunication failure state.

In operation S707, the communication failure is displayed on the EMS,the metering device, the corresponding electric product, or thecommunication modem to allow a user to quickly and easily recognize thecommunication failure of the communication modem connected to a specificelectric product. Here, the communication failure may be visiblydisplayed as well as informed as sound such as alarm.

When the communication modem is in the communication failure state, itis limited that an external unit (component) of the electric productreceives information related to an operation of the electric product.However, when the electric product is normally operated, powerconsumption information and operation information for each time may bestored in a database form in a control unit or a data storage unit ofthe corresponding electric product.

In operation S708, a process of confirming the stored information isperformed. Also, in operation S709, it is determined whether theelectric product including the communication modem is normally operatedin the communication failure state of the communication modem. Forexample, even though the communication of the communication modem isimpossible, electric products such as a washing machine and a dryer maybe operated by a random operation input of a user. Also, an electricproduct such as a refrigerator may be automatically operated without aseparate input of the user.

If the electric product is operated, operation information and powerinformation (energy information) related to the operation of theelectric product may be additionally stored in the electric product inoperation S710. If the electric product is not operated, the existingstored operation and power information are confirmed in operation S411.

Referring to FIG. 26, in operation S801, it is determined whether thecommunication modem communicates with the EMS or the metering device.Here, if the communication modem communicates with the EMS or themetering device, the previously or additionally stored operation orpower information of the electric product are transmitted into the EMSor the metering device in operation S802.

In operation S803, the EMS or the metering device may transmit thereceived information into a power management program operator(electricity company) or an electric product manufacturer.

When the user requires diagnosis of an operation state or upgrade stateof the electric product through a self-diagnosis program, or requirescall of a servicer of the electricity company or the electric productmanufacturer in operation S804, the EMS performs the self-diagnosisprogram through Internet or requires service call of the electricitycompany or the electric product manufacturer in operation S805.

According to the above-described method, it may be determined whetherthe communication failure of the communication modem is generated due toa defect of the power management program or a self-defect of theelectric product.

Referring to FIG. 27, when the response signal occurs from thecommunication modem mounted in the electric product, it is recognizedthat the communication modem is properly mounted on the electric productand it is determined that the communication modem is in a communicablestate in operation S901.

The communication modem may communicate with the EMS or the meteringdevice in operation S902 and communicate with a service provider of thepower management program in operation S903.

The communication modem or the electric product may be recognized on thenetwork and joined to the power management program. That is, apredetermined address (code) may be granted to the communication modemor the electric product. In operation S904, the electric product may becontrolled by the power management program.

In operation S905, it is determined whether the current time is withinthe peak time period based on the peak time period. If the current timeis within the perk time period, an energy-saving operation of theelectric product starts in operation S906. The energy-saving operationmay be performed through a process in which the electric product isturned off, the operation of the electric product is temporarilydelayed, or the power consumption of the electric product is reduced.

In operation S907, it is determined whether the peak time period isended. When the peak time period is ended, the electric product returnsto the operation of the original set state (e.g., a power-on operation,a re-operation, an original state operation of the power consumption) inoperation S908.

FIGS. 28 to 30 are flowcharts illustrating a process of controlling anetwork system according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 28, when a communication modem is mounted on aspecific electric product in operation S1001, it is started to checkwhether the mount of the communication modem is defective or thecommunication of the communication modem is possible in operation S1002.In operation S1003, a check signal may be transmitted from the EMS, themetering device, or the corresponding electric product into thecommunication modem.

In operation S1004, it is determined whether the communication modemoutputs a response signal. If it is determined that there is no responsesignal, it is determined whether the sent number (m) of the check signalexceeds a predetermined reference number (n) in operation S1005.

In the state where there is no response signal, if the sent number (m)of the check signal does not exceed the reference number (n), a checksignal sending process is performed again in operations S1009 and S1003.On the other hand, in the state where there is no response signal, if itis determined that the sent number (m) of the check signal exceeds thereference number (n), it is determined that the communication modem isnot operable for communication in operation S1006.

To rapidly inform the non-operable state of the communication modemconnected to a specific electric product to a user, the non-operablestate of the communication modem is displayed on at least one of theEMS, the metering device, and the corresponding electric product toinform it to the user in operation S1007. Here, the non-operable statemay be reported by a sound expression such as an alarming sound as wellas a visual expression.

If the non-operable state continues, an alarming message may bedisplayed to warn the user of the possibility of regarding it aswithdrawal from a power management program provided by the electricpower company and the resulting disadvantages in operation S1008.

As shown in FIG. 29, if there is a response signal from thecommunication modem, it is determined that the communication modem isproperly attached to the electric product and operable for communicationin operation S1011. In this state, when the user operates the electricproduct in operation S1001, the EMS and the metering device are operatedto operate the communication modem in operation S1012.

Also, when the user randomly selects an operation mode of the electricproduct to input the selected operation mode in operation S1013, powerconsumption, an electricity charge, a carbon dioxide emission amount,which are estimated when the randomly selected operation mode isperformed are calculated by the power information management unit or theenvironment management unit, and then, the calculated results aredisplayed on each display unit of the energy management device, themetering device, and the electric product in operation S1014.

In operation S1015, a power saving operation mode, which has a function(operation effect) similar to that of the operation mode selected by theuser and reduces the power consumption, the electricity charge, and thecarbon dioxide emission amount is recommended and displayed. Also, inoperation S1016, estimated power consumption, electricity charge, andcarbon dioxide emission amount depending on the power saving operationmode may be displayed.

In operation S1017, it is determined whether the power saving operationmode is selected. As shown in FIG. 30, if the user selects the powersaving operation mode, the power saving operation mode is performed. Asshown in FIG. 10, in operation S1021, the power saving operation modemay be an operation mode for minimizing the power consumption orstopping an operation of the electric product in the peak time period inwhich the electricity charge is above a set value S.

In operation S1022, actual power consumption, electricity charge, carbondioxide emission amount are displayed during the power saving operationmode. In operation S1023, it is determined whether the operation isended. When it is determined that the operation is ended, an actuallysaved electricity charge, power consumption, and a reduced carbondioxide emission amount may be displayed to allow the user to recognizethe information.

Referring again to FIG. 29, when the user does not select the powersaving operation mode, it is determined whether a target value of atleast one of an electricity charge, power consumption, and a carbondioxide emission amount is set in operation S1018. If the target valueis not set, the operation mode selected by the user is performed inoperation S1019. If the target value is set, as shown in FIG. 30, it isdetermined whether current electricity charge, power consumption, orcarbon dioxide emission amount approaches the target value during theoperation according to the target value in operation S1031. For example,a degree approaching the target value may be about 90% of the targetvalue.

In operation S1032, when the electricity charge, the power consumption,or the carbon dioxide emission amount approaches the target value, awarning event is generated to allow the user to recognize theinformation in operation S712.

In operation S1033, it is determined whether the user inputs a stopcommand. When the stop command is inputted to end the operation inoperation S1034, an electricity charge, power consumption, or a carbondioxide emission amount saved by the operation depending on the targetvalue is displayed in operation S1035.

On the other hand, when the operation is continues in operation S1036,it is determined whether the operation is ended in operation S1037. Incase where the electricity charge, the power consumption, or the carbondioxide emission amount exceeds the target value, exceeded factors areanalyzed, and then, the analyzed results are displayed in operationS1038. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling anelectric power in consideration of environmental effects according toanother embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, a method of controllingelectricity in consideration of environment influence will be described.In operation S1110, a communication modem or EMU may identify properidentification information of the electric product. In operation S1120,an estimated power consumption of the electric product is calculated.Thus, a product operation command for minimizing power consumption costsof the electric product in consideration of the calculated estimatedpower consumption and real-time electricity charge information receivedfrom the communication management unit may be transmitted into aelectrical product control unit.

Also, in operation S1130, the communication modem or EMU may transmit aproduct operation command, by which an estimated carbon dioxide emissionamount of the electric product is calculated according to the estimatedpower consumption or the estimated electricity charge to display theestimated carbon dioxide emission amount on a display unit, into aelectrical product control unit.

Here, in operation S1140, the communication modem or EMU may confirmwhether the estimated carbon dioxide emission amount exceeds a presetlimitation carbon emission amount or dioxide emission amount within theelectric product. After confirming the result, when the estimated carbondioxide emission amount exceeds the preset carbon dioxide emissionamount within the electric product, the communication modem or EMUtransmits a product operation command for delaying or pausing anoperation of the electric product into the electrical product controlunit, and the electrical product control unit delays or pauses theoperation of the electric product in operation S1150. Then, in operationS1160, the pause state of the electric product is displayed through thedisplay unit. On the other hand, when the estimated carbon dioxideemission amount does not exceed the preset carbon dioxide emissionamount within the electric product, the operation of the electricproduct is continuously maintained in operation S1170.

The communication modem or EMU may confirm whether an operation time ofthe electric product is within an electricity charge maximum periodaccording to the received electricity charge information.

After confirming the result, when the operation time of the electricproduct is within the electricity charge maximum period, the powerinformation management unit transmits a product operation command fordelaying and pausing the operation of the electric product into theelectrical product control unit. Then, the electrical product controlunit delays or pauses the operation of the electric product according tothe product operation command. Also, the pause state of the electricproduct is displayed through the display unit. When the operation of theelectric product is in the pause state, it is determined whether theoperation time of the electric product is out of the electricity chargemaximum period for the continuous operation of the electric product. Onthe other hand, after confirming the result, when the operation time ofthe electric product is not within the electricity charge maximum periodor out of the electricity charge maximum period after it is within theelectricity charge maximum period, the operation of the electric productmay be continuously maintained or the electric product is re-operated.

Here, when the operation of the electric product is temporarily pausedor the electric product is re-operated, the display unit may include thesound output module for outputting the temporary pause or re-operationcondition using sound.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure.

More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible inthe component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combinationarrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and theappended claims.

In addition to variations and modifications in the component partsand/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. At least one component for a network system comprising: one of an energy supplied component to which energy is supplied and an energy management component that manages the energy supplied component, wherein the energy management component controls an energy usage amount or an energy usage cost of the energy supplied component, and wherein the energy usage amount or the energy usage cost when the energy supplied component is controlled is based on information related to at least an energy cost that is less than when the energy usage amount or the energy usage cost of the energy supplied component is controlled without the information related to at least the energy cost, wherein the information related to at least the energy cost comprises a high cost information, wherein different energy reduction modes are selected according to a length of a time period of high-cost information, wherein the energy supplied component is driven by a processor to operate in a first energy reduction mode that reduces the energy usage amount or the energy usage cost when the length of the time period of high-cost information is less than a predetermined time length of usage, and wherein the energy supplied component is driven by the processor to operate in a second energy reduction mode different from the first energy reduction mode that reduces the energy usage amount or the energy usage cost when the length of the time period of high-cost information is equal to or greater than the predetermined time length of usage.
 2. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the energy supplied component comprises an electric product or a part included in the electric product.
 3. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein, when the energy supplied component is controlled based on the information related to at least the energy cost, the energy supplied component is controlled in a state where a function for saving energy is performed, and when the energy supplied component is controlled without the information related to at least the energy cost, the energy supplied component is controlled without performing the function for saving energy.
 4. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein, when the energy supplied component is controlled based on the information related to at least the energy cost, the energy supplied component is controlled in a state where the at least one component has a function for saving energy; and when the energy supplied component is controlled without the information related to at least the energy cost, the energy supplied component is controlled in a state where the at least one component does not function to save energy.
 5. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the energy management component is installed on the energy supplied component or is provided as a separate component from the energy supplied component.
 6. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein an output of the energy supplied component is decreased after recognizing the high cost information.
 7. The at least one component according to claim 6, wherein the decreased output of the energy supplied component comprises lowering output or zero output.
 8. The at least one component according to claim 6, wherein, the high cost information is determined after operation of the energy supplied component or before the operation of the energy supplied component.
 9. The at least one component according to claim 6, wherein, after the output of the energy supplied component is decreased, the energy supplied component operates for a time greater than an original operation time of the energy supplied component so as to prevent a functional loss of the energy supplied component.
 10. The at least one component according to claim 6, wherein, after the output of the energy supplied component is decreased, the energy supplied component operates with an output greater than an output before the output of the energy supplied component is decreased, so as to prevent a functional loss of the energy supplied component.
 11. The at least one component according to claim 6, wherein, after the output of the energy supplied component is decreased, the output of the energy supplied component is returned to a state before the output of the energy supplied component is decreased.
 12. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein an output of the energy supplied component is capable of being maintained or increased during a portion of the period of high cost information.
 13. The at least one component according to claim 12, wherein the energy supplied component is controlled such that the energy usage amount or the energy usage cost while the energy supplied component is entirely driven is less than the energy usage amount or the energy usage cost while the at least one component operates without the information related to at least the energy cost.
 14. The at least one component according to claim 1, when the period of high cost information is included within at least one portion of a driving time period of the energy supplied component, the driving time period of the energy supplied component is changed.
 15. The at least one component according to claim 14, wherein the energy supplied component is not operated within at least one portion of the period of the high cost information.
 16. The at least one component according to claim 14, wherein an end time of the changed driving time period is included in the period of the high cost information, or is disposed within a period of low price time period before the period of the high cost information.
 17. The at least one component according to claim 14, wherein an end time of the changed driving time period is disposed within a period of a low cost information after the period of the high cost information.
 18. The at least one component according to claim 14, wherein the energy supplied component is operated within at least one portion of a period of the low cost information.
 19. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein when the period of the high cost information is recognized, and an information value about driving of the energy supplied component is equal to or less than a reference value, an output of the energy supplied component is maintained.
 20. The at least one component according to claim 19, wherein the information value about the driving of the energy supplied component comprises at least one of information about an energy cost, information about an energy consumption amount, and information about an operation time, wherein the reference value is a relative value or an absolute value, and wherein the reference value is set at the at least one component or is received at another component.
 21. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein, when a difference between a state information value of the energy supplied component and a reference value is over a predetermined range, an output of the energy supplied component is maintained.
 22. The at least one component according to claim 5, wherein the energy supplied component is controlled such that an energy consumption amount or the energy usage cost while the energy supplied component is entirely driven is less than the energy consumption amount or the energy usage cost while the supplied component is operated without information related to at least the energy cost.
 23. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the information related to at least the energy cost further comprises a low cost information, and the energy supplied component operates only within a range where the low cost information is recognized.
 24. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the information related to at least the energy cost further comprises low cost information; and when the low cost information is recognized, an output of the energy supplied component is increased.
 25. The at least one component according to claim 24, wherein the energy supplied component to be operated within a range where the high cost information is recognized is operated in advance within a range where the low cost information is recognized.
 26. The at least one component according to claim 24, wherein, when the low cost information is recognized while the energy supplied component operates, the output of the energy supplied component is increased to be greater than a current output.
 27. The at least one component according to claim 24, wherein the output of the energy supplied component is returned to a previous output after the output of the energy supplied component is increased.
 28. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the energy reduction modes comprise a first mode and a second mode that further saves an energy cost than the first mode.
 29. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component recognizes at least one portion of a driving method of the energy supplied component, can generate a new driving method of the energy supplied component that the at least one component cannot recognize for saving the energy cost, the recognized at least one portion of a driving method of the energy supplied component can be changed to a different method, and the driving method of the energy supplied component comprises at least both a driving time and a course.
 30. The at least one component according to claim 29, wherein the driving time comprises a driving start time or a driving end time of the energy supplied component.
 31. The at least one component according to claim 29, wherein the course comprises a driving period and a driving output of the energy supplied component.
 32. The at least one component according to claim 29, wherein the generating of the new driving method of the energy supplied component or the changing of the recognized at least one portion of a driving method of the energy supplied component is limited according to a reference value.
 33. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component comprises a plurality of function performing components, and if the high cost information is recognized, one or more of the function performing components that satisfy a limitation condition related to the high cost information are restricted in operation.
 34. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein an operation mode of the energy supplied component comprises a plurality of procedures and when the energy supplied component operates in the period of the high cost information, at least one of the plurality of procedures is restricted in the period of the high cost information.
 35. The at least one component according to claim 1, wherein, when a communication disconnection condition is satisfied during communication between the at least one component and an another, the communication between the at least one component and the another component is disconnected.
 36. The at least one component according to claim 1, further comprising a memory to store information, wherein, when the high cost information is recognized, operation information of the at least one component is stored in the memory, and an operation of the at least one component is stopped or turned off. 